VIC, United Way seek volunteers for Days of Caring

The United Way of Southeast Missouri will again team with the Volunteer Intergenerational Center to show local employers and employees that donating time is as important as donating money.

The 2004 Days of Caring encourages the businesses of Cape Girardeau County and Scott City to promote volunteerism among their employees by assisting community organizations with volunteer projects. From Sept. 20 to Sept. 25 those volunteers will work with the United Way, VIC and other community organizations to better their communities.

"Businesses need to be aware of what's going on in their community and what issues their community organizations are facing," said Tina Dohogne, executive director of both the VIC and the local Retired Senior Volunteer Program.

The VIC was formed in 2002 through efforts of the RSVP and the United Way as a recruiting and referral agent for volunteers of all ages. This will be the second year that the VIC will be involved in Days of Caring.

Dohogne said that community organizations like the United Way face a number of community problems but with limited funds. Volunteers, she said, help to fill that gap.

In addition to promoting volunteerism, Days of Caring will also offer people a chance to see their community organizations in action, said Marla Mills, assistant director of the United Way of Southeast Missouri. Because many employees donate to the United Way through paycheck deductions, Mills said, this will be an opportunity to "see their money at work."

Mills said it also offers an opportunity for these volunteers to see how agency programs affect people's lives.

Both the United Way and the VIC are currently looking for volunteer projects from area not-for-profit organizations in need of volunteer assistance. Examples of previous projects include painting, after-school tutoring, organizing food pantries, cleaning up camps or parks, serving or delivering meals to seniors and providing minor home repairs for the elderly. Any potential projects should be submitted to either agency by Aug. 20. Volunteers and volunteer groups must sign up before Sept. 3.

Any business, person or agency with a project or wishing to participate may contact the VIC at (573) 887-3664 or the United Way of Southeast Missouri at 334-9634.

trehagen@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 137