File photo: A volunteer with United Way of Etowah County spreads mulch at the 2018 Day of Action. Kaitlin Hoskins/The Messenger
By Lindsey Frazier, Editorial Assistant
United Way of Etowah County will be celebrating its 26th anniversary of Day of Action this Friday, June 16.
According to United Way, last year saw 654 volunteers, including some from 37 nonprofits and schools, 54 companies and 22 organizations completing 58 projects. The volunteers logged nearly 2,300 hours.
“They have volunteers from all over the city that will be assisting in different assignments, different work opportunities,” District 6 Councilwoman Dixie Minatra said.
This year United Way has nearly 50 projects it hopes to complete spread out across the community working at local schools, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Barrie Center, Etowah Youth Orchestra, Gadsden Public Library, United Way and The Family Success Center.
“We plan for as many as 700 [volunteers] this year, 450 have already signed up,” said United Way Program Director Joshua Battles. “Most of the projects are fully signed up for.”
Those who wish to donate supplies instead of their time can deliver 2nd Chance wish list items to 821 East Broad Street. United Way will accept donations of cleaning supplies, paper products, over the counter medications for adults and children, personal hygiene items, towels, luggage, baby items, new underwear and socks of all sizes, pots and pans in new or good condition, dishes, glasses, utensils and old cell phones with or without chargers.
In addition to the 2nd Chance wish list, the Barrie Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Council on Aging, Donehoo Elementary School, Etowah Baptist Mission Center, Etowah Community Food Bank, John Jones Elementary School, Humane Society and Etowah County DHR have wish lists as well.
The Day of Action will start with projects from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and end with a lunch at The Venue at Coosa Landing from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
CPR classes will also be given at The Venue at Coosa Landing hosted by the American Heart Association.
To sign up and see the complete list of volunteer projects and wish lists, visit signup.com/go/VCjwCgG or call United Way of Etowah County at 256-547-2581.