An annual volunteer event where local businesses and community members connect with nonprofits is no longer confined to a single 24-hour day.
Friday was the official “Day of Caring,” sponsored by the United Way of Bartholomew County. Organizers said they were able to connect 31 projects with volunteers representing about 10 local companies, as well as some individuals. Of all the participants, Toyota Material Handling North America providing the most workers, United Way Communications Manager Magen Pillar said.
About 270 volunteers were recruited for Friday’s program, United Way President Mark Stewart said. That’s a low turnout only if you consider the “Day of Caring” had attracted more than a thousand workers a day prior to COVID-19, Stewart said.
However, Stewart said the lower turnout did not surprise anyone.
“We designed all of the projects to be safe, provided social distancing, and did everything possible to make the projects comply with (Centers for Disease Control) guidelines,” Stewart said. “But having said that, some people just have different levels of comfort with the virus. Typically, we would have solicited a little harder to get volunteers out, but we’re not doing that this year.”
Helpful changes were made to the “Day of Caring” after rain and storms plagued the annual event for three consecutive years. Organizers say several companies find it easier to get their project done when they can work with a nonprofit to schedule the best possible time for all parties involved.
At least 16 projects will be completed between now and June 7, Pillar said. In addition, three companies got a head-start on their projects by starting them on Thursday.
- Employees of Toyota Material Handling North America installed playground equipment outside Human Services Inc., located at the intersection of Marr Road and County Road 650N.
- Crews from NTN Driveshaft joined with Milestone Contractors to clear paths and ditches at Columbus Youth Camp.
But Milestone also provided one of the most impressive “Day of Caring” projects. They pulled several employees and heavy-duty equipment off from paid jobs to clear out a vacant lot in the 800 block of Werner St. Once the ground was smoothed over, the workers laid down material for what will eventually be the base of a new energy-efficient affordable home.
Architect and educator Britt Brewer of the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture and Design described Friday as the “groundbreaking” for the home, which he said is designed to fit it with neighboring houses. Besides Brewer’s school, other partners for this project include Housing Partnerships, Inc., Southern Indiana Housing Development Corp., and United Way of Bartholomew County. Other corporate partners will join the partnership as the project moves forward, Stewart said.
“The work (done by Milestone on Friday) is worth about $30,000,” Pillar said. “This is work that couldn’t be done without the Day of Caring.”
When asked about participating in this type of charitable event, Milestone machine operator James Flannery suggested it’s a good idea to assist others whenever you can.
“Sometimes, when you help somebody, they might later help you,” Flannery said.
Due to virus concerns, renovations and beautification efforts scheduled for Friday at Wayne Park were postponed, county parks director Rich Day said. But in the near future, volunteers will install new grills and dugouts, Day said. Also, a split-rail fence will be installed separating the playing areas from a pollinator park, he said.
One challenging job that did take place Friday on the asphalt parking lot outside San Souci, 1526 13th St. was the assembly of 15 different metal shelving units. Luckily, volunteers from Centra Credit Union were able to complete their work prior to 11 a.m. That prompted group leader Nikki Shatto to express relief they would finish before the hottest part of the day arrived.
Inside the San Souci facility, employees of the VIMCare Clinic were sorting through clothes to make sure only quality used items were put on display.
Working alongside the medical workers was Denise Gressel, who donates her time and efforts regularly as an individual, rather than as part of a group.
Gressel said she considers San Souci invaluable because they offer employment, educational, problem-solving direction and other assistance for those in most need of help.
“I don’t think people realize how much San Souci does for this community,” Gressel said. “If San Souci were gone, there would be a huge void in this community.”
The annual Day of Caring has evolved to a level that focuses on what Stewart calls “the human connection.”
“The volunteers learn an appreciation for folks who have had different upbringings than they’ve experienced,” Stewart said in an earlier interview. “It also allows them to see the impact they are having when working side-by-side with nonprofit employees.”
More companies are expected to participate when a similar volunteer opportunity called the “Day of Service” is held in September, Stewart said.
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The following companies agreed to have a team of their employees participate in Friday’s annual Day of Caring. Most, if not all, companies paid their employees for providing community service.
- NTN Driveshaft
- Milestone Contractors
- Toyota Material Handling North America
- Faurecia
- Breeden Realtors
- Centra Credit Union
- Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc.
- First Financial Bank
- Columbus Regional Hospital
- Willow Crossing Health and Rehabilitation Center
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For more photos of Day of Caring, visit therepublic.com.
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