More than 1,500 local residents are needed to spend a day caring for the community Oct. 3-8 by signing up for one of dozens of volunteer projects happening at nonprofits, schools and community parks across the region during United Way’s Week of Caring. The week, sponsored by Nationwide, will begin with a kickoff breakfast and rally at the new Golden 1 Center Plaza on Oct. 3 at 9 a.m. To sign up for Week of Caring: www.yourlocalunitedway.org/weekofcaring.
“We’ve held Day of Caring for the last three years and it’s been so successful at bringing the community together that we decided to make this year’s event an entire Week of Caring,” said Stephanie Bray, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “We’re offering 40 volunteer projects across five counties that week so everyone can spend one day caring for their community.”
Project sponsors include California North Chapter Community Associations Institute, Honey Agency, SAFE Credit Union, Safelite Auto Glass, Social Interest Solutions, TaxAudit.com and Zurich. The Sacramento Kings are sponsoring the kickoff rally, and SMUD is a booth sponsor.
Last year, 954 volunteers – including 116 companies and groups – came out on United Way’s Day of Caring in September and completed projects with 40 local nonprofits in one day. They volunteered 4,305 hours collectively, valued at $95,312.
Week of Caring is part of United Way’s Square One Project, which recognizes the importance of volunteers in making sure nonprofits and schools are equipped to provide a full support system for kids. The Square One Project is a 20-year promise to significantly increase the number of local students who graduate from high school ready for success in college and beyond. Through nine decades of work and research across Amador, El Dorado, Sacramento, Placer and Yolo counties, the local United Way now believes ending poverty starts in school and is working to ensure kids meet important milestones for success in college and beyond. To donate or volunteer, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org.