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Executive Director Donna Carpenter

The Licking County United Way is looking for individuals who would like to volunteer their time for a very special event.

“We have our 14th Annual Day of Caring, which is scheduled for Friday, June 27th from noon to 5 p.m. at various locations across the county. We need volunteers to actually work on the various projects, and we really hope that our volunteers will all sign-up by May 12th.”

Executive Director Donna Carpenter explains how the ‘Day of Caring’ actually works. 

“We do projects across the county, which are identified in various communities. Buckeye Lake has already identified one project, actually I think there are two down there now. Also, there are projects in Utica, Pataskala and, of course, in Newark. Many of the projects are identified by our partner agencies at their offices, frequently, or at some of their clients’ homes that need some assistance with generally maintenance kinds of projects.”

Over 425 volunteers completed 49 projects last year.

Carpenter adds that they need sponsors for the event as well.

“Those are the folks who help us provide lunch and snacks at the sites. They also help us with supplies for the projects, like paint, brushes and lawn maintenance type of equipment. So, again, if sponsors could identify by May 12th, we will be able to coordinate things with them and have a great Annual Day of Caring on Friday, June 27th.”

Carpenter says this is a very special month for the United Way.

“In May of 1933, the Licking County United Way was organized here locally. So, we are celebrating 75 years this year.”

Carpenter says their 75th Anniversary celebration will be held next month. 

“We are looking forward to a great celebration that we have scheduled for Saturday, June 14th at the Reese Center on the OSU-N/COTC campus. It is a real opportunity for us to share some of our historic photos, news stories and memorabilia. If anyone listening has anything from any of the time periods of the United Way and would like to share those with us, we would be glad to display them, copy them and return them.”

Carpenter adds that they will recognize their supporters as well. 

“Those are individuals and businesses that have supported the United Way for many, many years. We, of course, want to celebrate the history of the United Way and the fact that five of the agencies are still being funded after their start with us in 1933. So, it will be an opportunity to celebrate with our partner agencies as well.”

For more information about either of these events, call the Licking County United Way at 345-6685 or log onto their website at www.lcuw.net