Before taking this position with United Way of Sheboygan County, I was employed at Lakeland College as an Alumni and Community Engagement Officer. Last summer, while I held that position, 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 fancy façade.

With my new employment, I am observing the approach of the Day of Caring from the other side. The building that houses United Way of Sheboygan County, Mental Health America in Sheboygan County and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sheboygan County was built in 1982. And with a 32-year-old building comes deferred maintenance. As I type, a construction crew pounds outside the window to break up and replace our old sidewalks. Once that’s completed, the parking lot will be replaced. And on Thursday, July 17, we will host a Day of Caring Team of Volunteers to do some interior painting, exterior painting and landscaping.

The 2014 Day of Caring will be held on Thursday, July 17 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. We have approximately 300 volunteers signed up, and we need more. Participating on a corporate team is a great medium for building camaraderie among colleagues, giving back to the community and having fun! To sign up your corporate team for the 2014 Day of Caring, contact Jodey at (920) 980-6658 or jodey@volunteersheboygan.com. We’d love to see you there!