United Way plans Day of Caring volunteer projects Sept. 8

Published 12:01 am Sunday, August 26, 2012

United Way of Clallam County is seeking volunteers for a host of Day of Caring community projects in Sequim, Port Angeles and Forks on Saturday, Sept. 8.

The day of community cleanup and maintenance projects will kick off United Way’s fundraising campaign for 2012, which will run from September through December, said Jody Moss, executive director.

This year’s goal is to raise $1,060,000.

Last year, United Way raised $883,458, which has been distributed to local nonprofits throughout the year.

Patrick Downie is the 2012 United Way volunteer coordinator for activities and groups for the Day of Caring.

“I have a goal of getting 1,000 Helping Hands out working in our county,” said Downie, who is also a Port Angeles city councilman.

Volunteers will do yard work, landscaping, painting, cleanup and home repairs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until done.

While companies are gathering volunteers and adopting projects as team-building opportunities, church groups, community volunteers and families are welcome.

Sequim

A special commemoration is planned in Sequim at 8 a.m. at the flagpole in Carrie Blake Park.

United Way is working with the city of Sequim through the National Day of Service program associated with honoring those who lost their lives and worked to save lives after 9/11.

A Boy Scout troop will lead a flag salute.

Sequim volunteers are invited to meet there before beginning projects at city parks and other sites.

They include:

■ Sequim Food Bank — Painting and reorganizing interior and landscaping exterior.

■ Sequim Pump House — Painting.

■ First Teacher Playground — Playground upgrade and maintenance.

■ Olympic Peninsula Chapter of the American Red Cross office in Carlsborg — Painting and reorganizing interior.

■ Carrie Blake Park — Landscaping and picnic shelter maintenance

Port Angeles

Projects scheduled in Port Angeles include:

■ Estuary Park — General landscaping and cleanup.

■ Francis Street Park — General landscaping and cleanup.

■ Shane Park — General landscaping and cleanup.

■ Port Angeles unit of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula — Painting and general maintenance.

■ Peninsula Housing Authority, Terrace Apartments — Interior painting.

■ Serenity House C Street Apartments — Landscaping.

■ First Step Family Support Center — General cleaning and maintenance.

Forks

One project is scheduled in Forks.

■ Forks Housing Authority — Concrete sidewalk project at Peninsula Apartments.

United Way allows community members to “give where they live” and strengthen the entire county, Moss said.

“By working together, United Way, our partner agencies and community volunteers can leverage more local resources in a way that makes a significant difference,” she added.

Said Mary Ann Unger, chairwoman of the 2012 United Way Campaign:

“We believe that when the community works together through volunteerism and local charitable giving, we can do so much more than any of us can do on our own.”

Volunteers are asked to phone United Way at 360-457-3011 or just come to the particular projects in the morning Sept. 8.