MORE Day of Caring Volunteers, Projects Needed

Hundreds of volunteers have already signed up for the county-wide Day of Caring set for Thursday September 16, and the list of projects to be completed is growing by the day, but Greater Ottawa County United Way is still accepting projects and volunteers. 

Anyone interested in helping or anyone who has a project to be completed is asked to contact Shannon Morton, United Way’s Director of Volunteerism, (616) 610-1338 or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it no later than August 15.  Sign up forms and more info can also be found online at  www.ottawaunitedway.org/volunteer/events-and-happenings.

Day of Caring is the biggest single day of volunteerism in Ottawa County, and last year’s Day of Caring saw 64 projects completed in one day by nearly 700 volunteers.  The value of that volunteerism exceeded $80,000 in labor support to the community.

Examples of projects include organizing a food pantry, brightening up a nonprofit organization’s offices with a fresh coat of paint, or building a bridge in a county park. While some projects can take most of the day, many can be completed in a half day, either morning or afternoon. In addition to company teams, individuals may also volunteer and will be assigned to teams.

Said Morton, “No project is too big or too small. Without projects, work can’t be done; and without our incredible volunteers, lives aren’t able to be changed for the better.”

Volunteers are rewarded with a free barbeque lunch, donated, cooked and served by A.D. Bos Vending Services, Inc., of Holland, at Yogi Bear Camp & Resort on US-31 just south of M45. In addition to A.D. Bos, generous donations from Sara Lee Corporation and Yogi Bear Camp and Resort help to provide this festive community event.  WGHN FM will broadcast live from Yogi Bear Resort from 11:30-1:00 on September 16.

September 16 also marks the official kick-off for Greater Ottawa County United Way’s Annual Community Campaign, which this year has been titled “Campaign 10/11: “The Building Blocks of a Better Life.”       For more information on how to give, advocate, or volunteer to advance the common good in Ottawa County, visit www.ottawaunitedway.org.