OTTUMWA —
Wednesday was a chance for local workers to take time out of their hectic work schedules to give back to their community.
United Way of Wapello County’s 13th annual Day of Caring brought out nearly 70 volunteers to clean, build and organize at organizations throughout the community.
“You give a little bit of yourself, but you get back so much in return,” said UWWC president and CEO Desiree Johnson, who has been actively volunteering for more than 30 years.
Volunteers completed projects at 11 of UWWC’s 12 community partner organizations, those organizations who receive program funding from the United Way.
“It gives the donor an opportunity to see where their investments are going in the community,” Johnson said.
About 66 volunteers turned out Wednesday, slightly fewer than in the past, she said, “but it’s a busy time of year and it can sometimes be challenging to get time off.”
Workers from nine area businesses participated, including Cargill Ottumwa, Cargill Eddyville, Dr. Pepper/Snapple, John Deere Ottumwa Works, U.S. Bank, Principal Financial Group, Target, Job Corps and MidAmerican Energy.
This year also marks the 125th anniversary of United Way worldwide and the 47th anniversary of United Way in Wapello County.
UWWC’s partner organizations provide 22 programs within the community thanks to donations from area businesses.
“You can see how your dollars are impacting the lives of people in the community,” Johnson told volunteers at the morning rally.
UWWC Volunteer Center Coordinator Ali Wilson said Gov. Terry Branstad’s newest initiative announced Monday, “Volunteer Iowa: A Call to Service,” is a great way to mobilize every Iowan to increase their volunteerism.
“It’s a challenge to increase your volunteer hours from 34-50 hours a year,” Wilson said.
Cargill Eddyville advertised the Day of Caring opportunity to its employees, said Lynsey Grinde, and her and her team of engineers decided to sign up.
“As a group we decided to do it as a volunteer team-building activity,” Grinde said. “I like that our company allows us to take time off to get into the community.
“Cargill Eddyville really lets us give back to the community. Plus we can get our hands dirty.”
Volunteers helped paint walls, build shelves and do minor construction at American Red Cross Southern Prairie Chapter Wednesday, said the chapter’s response coordinator, Brandon Holstrom.
“It’s saving us money and it’s good for them to give back,” he said. “It’s a great event that gives back to the community and allows organizations to provide better services. Without volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to do it.”
Holstrom said the chapter is able to provide 97 percent of its services because of volunteers.
Volunteers also completed projects at American Home Finding Child Care Center, Southern Iowa Mental Health Center, Boy Scouts, Tenco Industries, Salvation Army, Hospice, Crisis Center and Women's Shelter and the Ottumwa YMCA.
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Related Photos
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Cargill Eddyville employee Blaine Hjelm helped clean and rebuild shelves at the American Red Cross Southern Prairie Chapter Wednesday morning. Chelsea Davis/The Courier
September 13, 2012
United Way’s Day of Caring gives donors a chance to volunteer
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