This Friday will be casual day for several local businessmen and women as they dress down and get their hands dirty for a Day of Caring.
Day of Caring is United Way for Dawson County¹s annual project that jumpstarts the organization¹s campaign fundraiser.
Dozens of volunteers from area businesses will meet for breakfast Friday morning and then head out to local organizations, like the Dawson County Senior Center, Abba House, the humane society, R.E.A.D and Keep Dawson County Beautiful to assist with needed projects.
Several volunteers are also scheduled to visit local foster families to offer a few caring hands to those who volunteer each day.
Last year, volunteers cleaned out an office in the Abba House Thrift Store and weeded gardens on the property, while another group spent the morning at the Senior Center, cleaning out an exotic fish bowl and hanging storm doors for an area elderly resident in need of home improvements.
³We would like to thank all of our volunteers who are taking off from work on Friday to give back to the community and participating in our Day of Caring,² said United Way for Dawson County board member Jay Sessions.
Following last year¹s Day of Caring, which saw groups from numerous local businesses volunteering in the community, United Way set a fundraising goal of $100,008. The organization was successful in meeting last year¹s goal.
³The funds raised in Dawson County stay in the county and benefit Dawson County residents,² said board member Kara Bagwell. ³That¹s something I think a lot of people do not realize.²
United Way allocates the funds to organizations such as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Family Connection and the Department of Family and Children Services. Allocation recipients are considered early each year and distributed each spring.
Bagwell said the board of director¹s hope is to see an increase in funds raised and allocations this year, because with the drain on the economy there will be more people in need of assistance.
A celebration campaign kickoff and luncheon will be held Friday, at 11:30 a.m. at Rock Creek Sports Complex, at which time the board will announce this year¹s fundraising goal. All Day of Caring volunteers are invited to the luncheon.
E-mail Michele Hester at michele@dawsonnews.com.