The Van Wert County Courthouse

Thursday, Mar. 28, 2024

United Way sets 2011 Day of Caring dates

Van Wert independent/United Way information

Plans are under way for the 13th annual United Way of Van Wert County Day of Caring. The date for this year’s food and blood drive is Friday, September 23. United Way agency projects will be completed on Saturday, September 24.

The United Way of Van Wert County Day of Caring committee has been meeting since April in order to organize this event.  This year’s chair is R J Coleman of Central Insurance and co-chair is Anita Carvajal of Eaton Corporation.

Blood Drive Information

The goal for the blood drive is 300 units. Anyone 17 years of age, weighing at least 110 pounds, and in general good health is encouraged to donate. Appointments can be made by calling 800.RED.CROSS or by visiting www.redcrossblood.org. The Red Cross provides blood products to nearly 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country.  There is no substitute for blood and volunteer donors are the only source, so please make a donation appointment today.

Food Drive

The food drive hopes to collect at least 25,000 food items to supply the local Salvation Army Food Pantry.

“The Salvation Army has seen a huge increase of clients asking for food assistance recently, stated Daniece Fleck, social service coordinator. “We are down to corn and applesauce to give out for vegetables and fruit.

“I feel really bad not having more than that to distribute to people but our shelves are almost bare,” she added. “We are in great need of food donations at this time and we would appreciate anything anyone can do for us”.

Barrels with a list of needed items can be found at various locations throughout the county. Those who need assistance in locating a barrel for donations can call the United Way office at 419.238.6689.

The Service Club Challenge will once again be part of the food drive, and the service club with the most number of food items donated per club member will win the traveling trophy.

Agency Projects

There are several projects still available for local businesses and industries to partner with a United Way agency to perform larger jobs that otherwise would not be able to be completed. To date, Braun Industries has partnered with The Salvation Army, Central Insurance is partnering with Wee Care Learning Center, and Life Star Rescue has partnered with the American Red Cross. Businesses or companies that would like to be paired with a local agency for a project can call the United Way at the above telephone number.

For more information, call the above number or email the United Way office at unitedway109@embarqmail.com.

POSTED: 08/31/11 at 12:40 am. FILED UNDER: News