Thanks to 481 volunteers, 77 yards were raked during United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties Day of Caring on Saturday, November 3rd! This annual event matches teams of volunteers to local elderly and disabled residents who need help with their yards before winter. “We couldn’t ask for better weather,” said Amy Fluno, Day of Caring Coordinator for United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties “We had a record number of volunteers and I thank each and every one of them for making this event great!”
Miss Wisconsin Tianna Vanderhei and Miss Wisconsin Rapids Danielle Moon joined in to help as well. They posed for photos, gave out autographs and raked yards with Girl Scout Troop 6007. Tianna shared her history of volunteering during breakfast and said, “I went to Lincoln [High School] and grew up doing this day, the Day of Caring, and I learned from a young age how important volunteering is. Sometimes we don’t realize the impact of a moment until it becomes a memory.”
Tianna continued, “We’re going around the community to a lot of people who don’t have the physical means to clean their yards. Some may not have family that can help out. You’re doing a BIG JOB by helping out! You’re really making a positive impact!”
The homeowners who benefited from Saturday’s event were very grateful. Linda A. said, “I’ve been a widow for 18 years and I’m in a wheelchair so I really appreciate the help. It’s a great service to the community.”
Phyllis C. said this about Day of Caring, “The volunteers do a great job and we appreciate it. We thank God we have the help. The volunteers help us stay in our home.”
“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this,” said Bette W. “I used to enjoy raking but I can’t do it anymore. I’m on a fixed income so I can’t hire to do what needs to be done. The volunteers are helping me get ready for winter. They are polite and courteous. Their help gives me peace of mind. One of the volunteers even brought a leaf blower, and when I heard it I thought ‘how wonderful!’ Without their help this wouldn’t get done and I’d have to worry about it in the spring. The program is a Godsend!”
During Day of Caring, a Personal Essentials drive was also held for Acorn Apartments (housing for disabled individuals). Many of these residents also live on fixed incomes so donations are very helpful. Assumption High School and Middle School collected 351 items and brought them in Saturday during Day of Caring!
Thanks To Our Sponsors
United Way’s Volunteer Center thanks this year’s t-shirt sponsors: Wisconsin Rapids Noon Rotary Club, Wisconsin Rapids Kiwanis Club, Port Edwards Lion’s Club, Cranberry Valley Girl Scouts, and VFW Post 2534.
We thank this year’s breakfast sponsors: Kwik Trip, Mariani, Pepsi and Wal-Mart. We also say a big “thank you” to the Grand Rapids Lion’s Club for the use of their facilities, providing volunteers and cooking.
