Before taking this position with United Way of Sheboygan County nearly four years ago, I worked at Lakeland University in the Alumni Relations Office. In my last summer of working there, I wanted my employer to take advantage of one of the biggest volunteer opportunities in this community: the Volunteer Center of Sheboygan County’s annual Day of Caring.
Preparation for the event was minimal on my part. I got the blessing from senior leadership and human resources, recruited colleagues to volunteer and then enjoyed a day out of the office. The day started at Deland Park in Sheboygan where over 400 volunteers gathered for the kickoff. From there, our excited group headed to Family Connections in Sheboygan to work on a new exterior paint job.
Looking at the nearly-completed building at the end of the day, I felt a great sense of accomplishment-a sense of accomplishment I am reminded of every time I drive down South 8th Street and see the building’s updated façade.
For the past three summers, and now this one, I have observed the approach of the Day of Caring from the other side. The building that houses United Way of Sheboygan County and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sheboygan County was built in 1982. And with a 35-year-old building comes deferred maintenance, as well as changes in staffing that lead to needed changes in layout. During last year’s Day of Caring, UWSC hosted more than 50 volunteers indoors and out to update our building. Volunteers removed 35-year-old wallpaper, did exterior landscaping, and built a wall! This year, we’ll have volunteers work on our landscaping again, as well as help us with our fall mail fundraising campaign.
The 2017 Day of Caring will be held on Thursday, September 14. Volunteers will kick off the morning at The Sheboygan A’s Ballpark with breakfast and a short, exciting program. After they’ve fueled up and connected with the project site leaders, the volunteers will head out to their project sites around Sheboygan County and volunteer until about 3 p.m. And in the evening, the volunteers and general public are encouraged to enjoy Taste Sheboygan in Fountain Park.
At this point, we are actively recruiting volunteers and still looking for volunteer projects. If you know of a nonprofit organization, church, or school in need of some help, please sign up on our website at www.uwofsc.org/volunteer or email Lee Anne at leeanne@uwofsc.org for assistance. You may also sign up as a volunteer on our website. Projects are being added every day, so if you don’t see an opportunity to fit your group, check back again!
I am so excited to be a part of another great Day of Caring. Honestly, this is my favorite day of the year! I love seeing 500+ brightly-clad volunteers spread out over Sheboygan County giving back!