WASHINGTON —
To paraphrase the Post Office motto, “Neither rain, nor snow nor dark of night can keep Day of Caring volunteers from their appointed projects.”
This year it was rain that took a swing at the 17th annual community-based service project — but the 460 volunteers hit right back.
The torrential rains that left Daviess County soggy all morning did cause a small bit of rescheduling, but United Way executive director Brenda Sobecki said most projects went off without a hitch.
“We are unsinkable,” laughed Sobecki. “This just shows us that no matter what the weather is. or what challenges we face, Daviess County loves to work together to make this happen.”
Roughly 15 organizations and sites in Washington where slated to get help, along with organizations in Montgomery and the northern part of the county.
More than 460 volunteers came out to help with projects ranging from painting and cleaning to renovations on equipment.
Places like the Daviess County Family YMCA, Head Start, Lighthouse, Daviess County Community Foundation, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, PowerHouse and Senior and Family Services all had projects that were addressed.
Kim Herbertz, executive director at RSVP, said they had a great experience.
“Many hands make light work,” said Herbertz.
“We had students and seniors working together, packaging warm hats for Head Start and preschools. We also had people getting cards ready for the troops overseas.”
At Feed My Sheep, doors and grocery carts were cleaned, along with much of the food distribution area.
The PowerHouse saw workers building picnic tables and bike racks, and sanding floors.
“This is the second Day of Caring since I have been here,” said PowerHouse Director Nathaniel Rainey.
“It gives us a chance to get things done that we just don’t have the time or budget to do on our own. The folks from GPC were really helpful with the tables and sturdy bike racks they built. They also helped up organize our pantry and paper products. When they were done, we had enough room to move the deep freezer in there.”
At Four Rivers Resource Center, volunteers helped install new doors and a panic bar.
“This gives help to so many agencies. It is very hard to put a price on it, but I would have to guess that we provide about $20,000 in in-kind services on the Day of Caring,” said Sobecki.
There were a few project that have now been rescheduled, like the Odon Day of Caring.
“That has been rescheduled due to the rain and the day has not been set yet. However, when it is, we are getting a lot of help from the North Daviess football team,” Sobecki added.
“We weren’t able to get much done at Habitat for Humanity, but we have some people who are going to go back and move some dirt around for them later.”
Sobecki said Day of Caring continues to grow, as it had about 60 more volunteers than last year, and she thinks it will have even more next year.
“Everyone just seems to love to give back,” she added.
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