United Way Day of Action–June 21

Each year on June 21, communities around the world come together to harness the volunteer spirit and improve the conditions in which they live.

United Way Day of Action is an invitation for people and organizations around the world to live united and take action to address a variety of challenges. It is a day that we ask you to help us put our mission into action by improving the building blocks for a good quality of life -education, self-sufficiency, and health.

Volunteer on your own, or with your family, friends, or group and change our community for the better. It takes just seconds to join, a small amount of time to volunteer, and the results last a lifetime.

A number of volunteer opportunities are available from which to choose. Select one or more these events at which to volunteer.

1. Education — Help Kids Read, Achieve, Succeed

Give low-income kids a book of their very own through the United Way BrainFood Drive. Support United Way’s education goal by walking in local neighborhoods picking up donated books for our “Brain Food” program. This program provides free donated books to children who receive Harvesters “BackSnacks,” backpacks with healthy snacks, given out to children in need each Friday to reduce hunger on the weekends. United Way provides books in the BackSnacks of about 170 kids each week. United Way’s youth volunteers participating in our “Summer of Service” program will be leaving empty bags with flyers about the program in selected neighborhoods June 10, 11 and 12. On June 21, volunteers are needed to drive back to those neighborhoods and pick up donated books from porches and doors. This is a great opportunity for families, groups, or anyone who enjoys walking and loves books!

2. Health — Provide Healthy Food for Hungry People

Help feed Douglas County families this summer by staffing our healthy food drive. All donations will stay in Douglas County and be distributed by our United Way partners – Just Food, the Salvation Army and Penn House. All supplies will be provided – just bring your smiles and be ready to be amazed by the generosity of Lawrence residents! Collection locations include The Merc, Dillon’s on Massachusetts Street, and Wal-Mart on Sixth Street. Two hour shifts available from 9-11 a.m. and 11 a.m. -1 p.m. This is a great opportunity for families or groups.

3. Self-Sufficiency — Support United Way’s Self Sufficiency goal by helping with a presentation by “Motorcycle Mary,” a motivational financial humorist. The two-hour presentation will start at 2:30 pm at Crown Automotive. Volunteers are encouraged to help set up and/or clean up for the event and enjoy her presentation. Set up tasks include: setting up tables and chairs, hanging banners, putting out resource materials, making popcorn and drinks, setting up directional signs and directing traffic, staffing the welcome and registration table, and cleaning up at the conclusion of the presentation. This is a great opportunity for families or groups.

To sign up for any of these opportunities, go to www.volunteerdouglascounty.org or call 785-865-5030.

For more volunteer opportunities, please contact Shelly Hornbaker at the United Way Roger Hill Volunteer Center at 785-865-5030 or at volunteer@unitedwaydgco.org or go to www.volunteerdouglascounty.org.