United Way Day of Caring coming up

United Way of VW County news

The 15th anniversary of the United Way of Van Wert County’s Day of Caring is coming up next month.  This year’s event will take place on Friday, September 27.

As in the past, the event will consist of The Salvation Army Food Pantry’s food drive, an American Red Cross blood drive and local business service projects for United Way agencies. This year’s goals are 30,000 food items for the Salvation Army Food Pantry and 250 blood units for the American Red Cross.  To commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Day of Caring, a special United Way Campaign and Day of Caring kickoff event will take place at noon Wednesday, September 11, in the First Federal Lecture Hall of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.

Food item donations can be made through the Van Wert County school drives, drop-offs at the various United Way food drive barrels, local business and industry contributions, County Service Club Challenge and the Main Street Challenge pinning Main Street businesses against Van Wert City and County employees and officials.  Barrels will once again be placed around the county with a list of needed items.  Those needing assistance in locating a barrel for donations can call the United Way office at 419.238.6689.   Special prizes will be awarded this year to the teachers and classrooms that collect the most food items.

The American Red Cross Blood Drive will take place Friday, September 27, 2013 at Trinity Friends Church from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Anyone 17 years of age who weighs at least 110 pounds and is in general good health is encouraged to donate. Appointments can be made by calling 800.RED.CROSS or by visiting www.redcrossblood.org.  As an added bonus, those donating blood at this year’s event will be entered into a drawing to win one of four $50 gas cards, compliments of area gas stations.

Agency service projects will once again take place during the months of August and September. These projects pair local businesses and organizations with United Way agencies to complete a needed service project for the agency. Smiles, fun and fellowship are guaranteed for those who participate.

Organizations or businesses wanting to do a Day of Caring service project should contact the United Way office at 419.238.6689.

For more information on the Day of Caring, contact United Way of Van Wert County at 419.238.6689, email unitedway109@embarqmail.com or visit the United Way on the web at www.unitedwayvanwert.org.  Be sure to check out the United Way of Van Wert County Facebook page for current events of the United Way and the Day of Caring.