United Way needs 500 volunteers for regional Day of Caring

United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s Westmoreland Region office in Greensburg is looking to recruit 500 volunteers for its 17th annual Day of Caring.

Slated for Sept. 13, the event connects volunteers with projects benefiting communities and nonprofit and civic groups in Westmoreland and Fayette counties and southern Armstrong County.

Volunteers may apply their time, labor and talents to a variety of efforts including indoor and outdoor painting, landscaping, gardening, general yard clean-up and light construction. Projects also include more personal interactions such as hosting games and social activities for veterans, seniors and children.

The event saves United Way partner agencies hundreds of dollars in labor while raising awareness about the impact they have in their communities.

Last year’s Day of Caring attracted more than 700 volunteers to help with 70 Westmoreland Region projects. A group of Elliott Company employees spread playground mulch and painted classrooms at Jeannette McKee Elementary/Middle School. Teams from S&T Bank and Achieva cleaned and weeded at the Laurelville Retreat Center in Mt. Pleasant Township.

“United Way’s Day of Caring is a special day for the entire community,” said LaDawn Yesho, who is involved with United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council. “It mobilizes the caring power of volunteers to make a meaningful impact that lasts long after the day ends.”

Anyone interested in volunteering for this year’s Day of Caring should email stefanie.boltz@unitedwayswpa.org or call the Westmoreland Region office at 724-834-7170.