By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News
The fall is a busy time for the United Way of Eastern Utah. Starting in August with the organization’s ‘Soles2Souls’ shoe drive, the organization continues to serve residents of Eastern Utah on Sept. 6 as it hosts its annual Day of Caring.
As the Day of Caring rapidly approaches, the United Way is seeking projects around the community to complete. Executive Director Pam Boyd joined the KOAL newsroom to discuss the event and put out a call for those in need.
“It’s a wonderful event,” opened Boyd. “It’s just really people showing up to beautify both spaces that we all use and value and help out neighbors who need a little extra help doing yard work or a special project.”
She continued,” The Day of Caring is celebrated around the time of the 9-11 anniversary. And the idea is that we’re stronger through community. And the United Way’s mission is to improve lives by harnessing the caring power of community. And that is what this day is all about.”
Boyd explained that promoting this event is a two-part project: “Right now, we are looking for projects to do. In a couple of weeks, we’ll be looking for people to do them. And so right now, I encourage people who know maybe an elderly neighbor or a neighbor who’s struggling for whatever reason that could use their yard mowed or has some stuff they need help stacking up or taken away … I’d like those people to give us a call or send me an email at LiveUnited@UWEU.org and let me know about it. And we can put it on our list of projects.”
Boyd also discussed the incredible attendance the Day of Caring receives,” It is always amazing. And it’s like anybody who’s ever given a party and you’re wondering if anybody’s going to show up. This will be my fourth day of caring, and I don’t worry about that anymore. I know the community is going to come out in force and help out. So it’s wonderful. You know, it’s like ants on a cupcake, lots of workers and lots to get done.”
Closing our conversation, Boyd again encouraged citizens to volunteer projects to the Day of Caring,” you can give us a call or send us an email and just tell us you don’t have to fill out a big form. Tell us a little bit about what the project is, what kind of work you need done and how many people you’d need. I’d rather have you overestimate how many people you need. Because I sent people to a couple of projects that they only thought they needed a few people. And you know what, they needed a dozen. And so, it’s fine, tell me you need a dozen.”
The United Way of Eastern Utah’s Day of Caring will be held on Saturday, Sept. 6. To contact the United Way and volunteer a project, email LiveUnited@UWEU.org or call 435-637-8911.