United Way sets date for Day of Caring

VW independent/submitted information

The date has been set for the 2016 United Way Day of Caring. This annual event, in its 18th year, will be held Friday, September 30. The Day of Caring will once again consist of the Salvation Army Food Pantry Food Drive, the American Red Cross Blood Drive, and local business service projects for United Way agencies.

The American Red Cross blood drive will take place on Friday, September 30, at Trinity Friends Church. Anyone 17 years of age, weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health is encouraged to donate. The blood drive goal is 160 units of blood. Anyone donating blood will receive a free t-shirt and a chance to win one of four $50 gasoline cards.

The Salvation Army Food Pantry food drive will start in early September. Barrels will be placed in local businesses, schools, and industries for donations of non-perishable food and personal care items. During the week of Day of Caring, several local grocery stores will have a Day of Caring promotion to make it easier to make a donation to the food drive. This year’s food drive goal is 40,000 items.

Agency service projects will be held this fall at several United Way of Van Wert County agencies. For a day, volunteers from local businesses are paired with a United Way agency and perform a needed service project.

The United Way of Van Wert County invites area residents to support their community by becoming a sponsor for the Day of Caring. Those who have not participated before and would like more information about pairing their business with one of the United Way agencies or would like to place a barrel at their business, can call the United Way office at 419.238.6689 or email unitedway109@gmail.com.