PORT TOWNSEND— The Jefferson County chapter of United Good Neighbors hopes to make its Day of Caring an annual event.
“This is only the beginning,” said UGN Director Carla Caldwell on Friday.
“I hope we can do this every year.”
The Day of Caring paired organizations that provided labor with agencies in need of volunteer help and served as the kickoff for the year’s fundraising campaign.
The campaign has a goal of $240,000.
Funds will support more than 30 nonprofit health and human service organizations in Jefferson County.
Volunteer award
As an inaugural event, the agency presented a “Good Neighbor” award that singles out a single volunteer for significant contributions to the community.
The award’s first recipient was Linda Cooley, who was credited for her work with the Ecumenical Christian Helping Hands Organization, or ECCHO.
“Linda’s contributions to ECCHO as a volunteer driver and in leadership roles have been nothing less than heroic,” said Port Ludlow Fire Rescue Chief Ed Wilkerson, who serves as UGN’s board president.
“ECCHO has many volunteers who go to extreme lengths to help those in need, but few equal Linda for unconditional compassion and seemingly boundless patience with even our most challenging situations and clients.”
Port Townsend Mayor Michelle Sandoval lauded UGN’s efforts in bridging the gap between what government once provided and what it can do today.
“Safety nets are now more important than ever,” she said.
“With this economy, it is hard for local governments to provide support for the needs that have arisen.”
For more information, phone UGN at 360-385-3797 or email info@WeAreUGN.org.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.