A Day Of Caring

To the Editor:

Many thanks to all the volunteers and donors involved in the 11th annual United Way of Northern Fairfield County’s Day of Caring. On September 15, more than 950 volunteers from local business and corporations learned firsthand how local health and human service agencies improve lives in our community. That is a 60 percent increase in projects compared to last year. The value in labor and materials is estimated at over $100,000!

Our local agencies depend on this volunteer effort, because it allows them to save their limited resources for direct service. The volunteers landscaped, painted, washed windows, and cleaned residential programs. This monumental outpouring of help is an example of what the United Way calls Community Impact — bringing together the resources needed to improve community conditions.

In Newtown, Cendant Mobility employees volunteered at an Ability Beyond Disability group home. They painted the home so that residents have a spruced-up house and the knowledge that many people care about them. Additionally, Newtown Savings Bank offered a hand with painting, office work, and window washing at the Family Counseling Center of Newtown. IBM employees volunteered their efforts all day at Nunnawauk Meadows, a senior residential complex.

Furthermore, these United Way volunteers saw firsthand where their dollars are invested, hopefully inspiring them to continue volunteering in our community.

The Day of Caring kicks off United Way’s annual campaign. I’d like to remind everyone that when you contribute to United Way, you are making an investment in programs that demonstrate results. United Way is the collective power of people working toward long-term solutions for a better, stronger, more caring community.

Thanks again to all the volunteers who gave of their time during the Day of Caring and to all our community agencies that work at improving lives all year long.

Sincerely,

June Renzulli, President

United Way of Northern Fairfield County

85 West Street, Danbury                                     September 28, 2005