United Way of the Lakeshore Day of Caring to honor vets, remember fallen officer, & support local daycare providers
United Way of the Lakeshore will be bringing hundreds of volunteers across Muskegon, Oceana, & Newaygo counties for their long-time tradition Day of Caring. On September 6th, 2019 over 400 volunteers are expected to be scattered across Muskegon County. These volunteers will be working in teams at 17 different projects throughout the community.
Last year, United Way paid a special tribute to local veterans who needed repairs and landscaping. This year they have expanded their scopes and will be working on veteran homes, early childhood centers, Johnny O Harris Park, Ryerson Creek, sending out hundreds of Thank You cards to those who serve and sorting school supplies to every public school district in Muskegon County & Muskegon Heights Academy.
“This Day of Service brings together representatives and teams from every community in the county,” says UWL Community Engagement Manager, Dominique Bunker. “We are working with our local businesses, nonprofits, club organizations, churches, politicians, schools, senior living facilities, and municipalities to coordinate the success of these projects. We also would like to thank Cannon Muskegon for their gracious support on being our lead sponsor, as well as Arconic and Consumers Energy. Without them, we would not be able to have the materials needed to make this possible.”
One of the biggest projects this year is the restoration of Johnny O. Harris Park, a memorial park in Muskegon Heights for fallen Police Officer Johnny O. Harris who passed away in the line of duty in 1975. Repainting the basketball courts, replacing swings, and clearing hundreds of feet of pathways are on the agenda for this project.
Another project called “Operation Gratitude” will be taking place with the community’s senior volunteers. Schools, churches, senior living facilities and more have pledged to write Thank You Cards for our local veterans, deployed troops, new recruits, and first responders. If you have a family member or loved one that you would like one of these thank you cards, please contact the United Way today at dominique@unitedwaylakeshore.org or call 231-332-4006.
The United Way of the Lakeshore is looking for more volunteers to make this day possible! The event will run 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM on September 6th with a kickoff at the United Way of the Lakeshore’s office (31 E Clay Ave), and includes a free breakfast provided by the Lions Club and lunch brought to the volunteer sites. Oceana’s Day of Caring will be taking place on September 7th and Newaygo’s Day of Caring will be held October 4th. If you are interested in volunteering, or looking for more information about the different volunteer sites please visit https://www.unitedwaylakeshore.org/DOC or contact Dominique Bunker at dominique@unitedwaylakeshore.org or call 231-332-4006.
United Way of the Lakeshore is uniting to inspire change and build thriving communities. Our Bold Goal – 10,000 more working families meet their basic needs by 2025. For more information, contact United Way of the Lakeshore at 231-332-4047 or visit www.unitedwaylakeshore.org.