2015 United Way Day of Caring Brings In Thousands Of Volunteers

Stuff the Bus
Stuff the Bus Event at the Annual United Way day of Caring (Photo: Gephardt Daily/ Arturo Soria

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – September 10, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) – The 23rd anniversary of the annual United Way Day of Caring in Salt Lake has brought in thousands of volunteers from all over the state.

United Way of Salt Lake is expecting to achieve a combined 18,000 hours of community service in just one day with more than 4,500 volunteers who represent nearly 120 local companies. Together they will complete 120 one-day service projects, including service events at 25 different schools.

Jerilyn Stowe, the vice president of marketing and communications of United Way of Salt Lake, said the service projects range from gardening and yard clean-up to painting and working in classrooms to help kids. “It is really a great day to get involved and give back,” Stowe said. “The impact in general allows the community to help dozens of non-profits and other organizations around the valley that would normally have to fund these types of projects themselves. We estimate the amount of money we are saving them is nearly $700,000.”

Stowe said the “Stuff the Bus” event at Library Square from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. will bring more than 200 volunteers who will be stuffing 8,000 backpacks to be given to low-income children. “The more people who can get involved and understand how service can become a part of what they do in the community, the more understanding there is for everybody that we are all a part of this community,” said Stowe. “It is all of our jobs to lift up our neighbors. This may be one day of service but we hope it helps others to turn it into a lifetime of service.”

Both Utah County and Logan City United Way chapters are holding their annual Day of Caring today as well. “There are six United Way chapters in Utah. Three of us hold these larger events and the other three in southern Utah do several smaller projects throughout the year and a few on the Day of Caring,” Stowe said.

“The United Way of Utah is always looking for year-round volunteers and it is also not too late to help with today’s events,” Stowe said. “We are looking for groups, companies, individuals, kids, and anyone who is wanting to give back.”

She encourages anyone wanting to help today or in the future to visit their website for volunteer opportunities.

 

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