There are simple things we all need for a good life: basic needs like food and shelter; quality education that leads to a stable job; income that supports a family through retirement, and of course, good health. These are the building blocks for a good life. Lose any one of these and the rest can tumble away.
The United Way of the Greenbrier Valley works to make these things attainable for everyone in our community. This is possible through the hard work and dedication of so many people who call Greenbrier County home. As the Executive Director of our local United Way, I see firsthand just how local folks are working hard to achieve these goals and to shape our communities.
Each year, United Way of the Greenbrier Valley and WVSOM TOUCH Committee join forces for a Day of Caring. Day of Caring is an opportunity for communities to show what it means to LIVE UNITED. Volunteers from WVSOM and the community demonstrate their intentions to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways by getting involved and joining a volunteer activity with the community.
When students and employees volunteer for a Day of Caring project they:
• Help area nonprofit agencies complete much-needed projects.
• Gain a better understanding of how United Way gifts are helping our community
• Demonstrate volunteer spirit and commitment to making our community
• AND… have fun while building team spirit and morale!
“The annual Day of Caring is a fantastic opportunity for WVSOM’s new students to get to know the local community,” said Rebecca Morrow, WVSOM’s Director of Student Affairs. “We really want the students to integrate into Greenbrier County and especially to engage in community service hours. WVSOM is committed to training great doctors who will be civic leaders in their communities, and the students love to give back. United Way’s willingness to partner with us has helped the students focus their efforts on meaningful projects that make a positive difference.”
Each year, volunteers serve at several different project sites. This year’s project sites include: Family Refuge Center and Greenbrier Episcopal School hosted painting, playground and spring cleaning projects; Habitat for Humanity hosted a clean-up of Camp Wood; Monroe Health Center and the Town of Rainelle asked volunteers to help with landscaping and litter clean up; volunteers completed clean up and refurbishment at the Ronceverte Born Learning Trail; volunteers worked with the Lewisburg Literary Festival helping with art installations and speaking events.
Rachel Harris, WVSOM Touch Committee chair, knows firsthand how important these community building opportunities are for volunteers: “Students from all over the state of West Virginia and even all over the country attend WVSOM. The new school year is just beginning. Our Day of Caring partnership with United Way is a great opportunity for students to start giving back to their new community.”
Day of Caring is designed to engage volunteers and to focus on making a difference in improving the lives of people. When we as individuals think outside ourselves, we have the power to facilitate change. When we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. We build the strength of our neighborhoods. We bolster the health of our communities. And we change the lives of those who walk by us every day. Together, united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow. Day of Caring and living UNITED means being a part of the change.
For more information about Day of Caring volunteer and sponsorship opportunities or how your organization can apply as a Day of Caring site location, call the United Way office at 304-647-3783.
For more information about the United Way of Greenbrier Valley visit us at www.unitedwaygreenbrier.org.
Submitted By Cindy Bowe
Building Community Through Service