Days of Caring starts Monday

More than 550 volunteers will be out in force next week to offer a helping hand to area nonprofits during United Way of Hancock County's 27th Days of Caring service event. Days of Caring will run Monday through Friday, with volunteers completing 79 projects at 15 agencies during four-hour shifts. The volunteers will accumulate 2,200 service hours, which is an estimated value to the community of $62,788 based on the Independent Sector's hourly Value of Volunteer Time estimate of $28.54. "The time and talent these volunteers give enables nonprofits to focus on the essential services they provide that help so many," said Angela DeBoskey, chief executive officer of United Way of Hancock County. "They truly are measurably improving people's lives in Hancock County by freeing up resources to be used and spent where needed most and we're thankful for their service." Volunteer projects include painting, landscaping, clearing walking trails, chopping wood, office cleaning and organization, and construction. United Way has worked with Hancock Public Health to establish COVID-19 safety protocols for each project. "Last year, because of COVID-19, it was necessary to reschedule Days of Caring until September and we were thankful to have an event at all," said Sarah Mayle, United Way's volunteer coordinator. "I am looking forward to seeing an even larger group out there, a force making a significant positive impact in our community. I can tell when out visiting sites that the volunteers look forward to this day of giving." This year's Days of Caring volunteer teams represent Marathon Petroleum Corp., Whirlpool Corp., Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., First National Bank of Pandora, Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies, Blanchard Valley Health System, the McComb High School Future Farmers of America Club, City Apparel, Fifth Third Bank and Aktion Club of Hancock County. In addition to the spring event, United Way will offer a smaller Days of Caring event the week of Sept. 20. Last year's Days of Caring was held in September and saw 220 volunteers complete 61 projects at 16 agencies, with about 880 service hours completed and a value of more than $21,000 to the nonprofits. For more information, visit http://www.uwhancock.org/days-of-caring