Residents volunteer during United Way’s Day of Caring
Published 12:00 am Friday, September 14, 2018
- Carolina Stalite employees Patrick Harvell, Justin Hill, Keith Shelton and Scott Hill repair and paint the short fences in the overflow parking lot at the East Rowan YMCA during the 26th annual Day of Caring for the United Way of Rowan County on Thursday. Jon C. Lakey/Salisbury Post
SALISBURY — From planting flowers to painting, Rowan County United Way’s Day of Caring allowed residents to give back to the community Thursday.
The annual event continued for local organizations’ projects but the school projects were postponed because of Hurricane Florence. They will be rescheduled with the schools and companies at a later date.
Jordan Littauer was with Vulcan Materials Co. and its sister business, Carolina Stalite Co., at East Rowan YMCA replacing fencing and painting it white.
“It’s great to help out the community, especially places that don’t have the resources for the renovations,” Littauer said.
Many participants have been coming out for Day of Caring for years, including Jeff Burroughs of AkzoNoble, who has volunteered for eight years. Burroughs has done several projects at China Grove Elementary School. This year, he helped build a storage area for Main Street Mission in China Grove.
“It’s nice to do things for schools and see the kids excited,” Burroughs sad.
Jackie Harris, United Way associate director, said Day of Caring is in its 25th year.
Harris said Day of Caring is “volunteerism at its best.”
Dennis Sims first learned about Day of Caring from Harris, since they both attend Milford Hills Baptist Church. He and other church members have volunteered for several years. They were at Rowan Vocational Opportunities making a path to the flagpole and planting flowers.
“We just enjoy doing it,” Sims said. “It helps the community. As a Christian, you ought to.”
Daniel Black worked with Burroughs. They both said they enjoy the team-building opportunity the day brings while being able to give back.
“It’s good to get out and help out,” Black said.
Harris said the school projects were canceled Monday because of safety concerns, but the projects will be completed.
“Companies are working it out with each school,” Harris said. “They’re committed to that. We’re committed to that.”
Harris said Day of Caring is possible through grants and companies donating money for supplies. About 500 to 600 people participated Thursday.
