‘Day Of Caring’ Builds Community Bonds

By Larissa Lytwyn

Nonprofit organizations have long been the unsung heroes of their communities, providing a multitude of services and volunteer opportunities for adults and youth alike.

During the United Way-sponsored annual Day of Caring on September 10, however, volunteers from corporations across Connecticut, including Taunton Press and Newtown Savings Bank in Newtown, chose to give back — to the nonprofits.

Approximately 16 volunteers from Newtown Savings Bank arrived at Newtown Youth Services that morning for a day of painting, power washing, weeding, and trimming.

Newtown Youth Services Director Anthony Tozzi said he was “thrilled” at the sense of community the Day of Caring promoted.

“We have had a very good partnership with the bank over the years, and I know that bond was strengthened [on the Day of Caring],” said Mr Tozzi. “Accomplishing the tasks is secondary to the partnerships you form. It’s all part of building a sense of belong, of furthering an atmosphere of warmth and belonging.”

Across town, near the Bethel border, the Family Counseling Center enjoyed a visit by Linda Ballerini, Sue Burke, Lisa Riebe, Kathleen Williams, and Jorge Londono of Taunton Press.

“This is the third [consecutive] year Taunton Press has done something for Day of Caring,” said Ms Ballerini, a human resources manager, “using different volunteers. Last year we managed a senior picnic at an area home. We’ve also worked with a group home for the disabled and a preschool.”

The staffers painted the waiting room with a fresh coat of powder blue, even retouching the white trim on the waiting room windows.

“We honestly couldn’t do these kinds of tasks without them,” said a grateful Terry Blackmer, executive director of the Family Counseling Center.

Surveying the finished waiting room, she remarked, “This was a makeover, a total makeover!”

Ms Burke, a payroll employee at Taunton Press, said volunteering was a “good way to give back.”

“Even if you don’t have the money to donate to a cause, this kind of activity gives you the opportunity to physically make a difference,” she pointed out.

In addition to painting the waiting room and later the upstairs hallway and outside railings, the group helped finish a round of mailings, stuffing envelopes.

“The mailings were a big help!” declared Sue Bird, the Family Counseling Center’s finance director.

Ms Riebe and Mr Londono, both Newtown residents, said they had been excited to helping out.

“This is a great opportunity to give back, to do something simple and yet accomplish something that is really appreciated,” said Mr Londono, direct marketing manager at Taunton Press. “I’d heard from several of my co-workers how rewarding [this volunteering] is, and so I have been happy to be a part of helping [the Family Counseling Center] today!”

He suggested the effort was also cost saving, sparing the cost of contracted painters and other hired workers.

Ms Riebe, a sales representative for Fine Gardening, said it gave her a good feeling. “It’s just a great way to help out,” she said.

Ms Williams, an editorial production manager, said it felt good to support an agency like the Family Counseling Center.

“It’s just a wonderful way to give back,” she said.