Some 2600 Volunteers Expected for Day of Caring Projects in DeSoto, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota Counties

FLORIDA’S WEST COAST (October 3, 2019) –More than 2,100 volunteers from 38 local companies and community groups will be mobilized to tackle 96 projects at local social service agencies, schools and community organizations for United Way Suncoast’s annual Day of Caring, held on Friday, October 11, 2019.

Volunteers will take on projects at United Way partner agencies ranging from light construction to cleaning and landscaping community centers and everything in between. “Volunteers are the engine that helps our non-profit partners create the most impact within the community,” said Carrie Zeisse, Interim CEO, Chief Strategy and Operations Officer of United Way Suncoast. “We are incredibly grateful to all of our generous corporate partners that provide their employees with this hands-on way to serve our community.” 

One corporate partner in DeSoto County, Collins Aerospace Interiors Lake Suzy, has over 40 employees participating in Day of Caring, which represents more than 55% of their workforce.  “For us, supporting our local United Way makes sense because it provides impact to so many different organizations and helps people with a variety of needs,” said Ryan Campbell, Value Stream Director, Evacuation Solutions, Interiors for Collins Aerospace.  “There was a strong interest from our team to participate, and although this is our first year participating locally, I am sure it is the beginning of a great tradition.”

Media is invited to various photo and interview opportunities below on Friday, October 11 between 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. A United Way Suncoast representative will be on site, at the locations below, during these hours.

DeSoto County

• Location: Arcadia-DeSoto county Habitat for Humanity, 1708 SE Whispering Pine Drive., Arcadia, FL 34266
• Volunteers will be working with staff to paint the exterior of the home and work on minor construction projects.

Hillsborough County

• Location: Children’s Home Network, 10909 Memorial Highway, Tampa, 33615
• Volunteers will be cleaning and organizing various parts of the campus that serves at-risk children and families.

Manatee County

• Location: Sugg Middle School, 3801 59^th Street W., Bradenton, FL 34209
• Volunteers will landscape and add garden containers, build raised plant beds and enhance the brand-new school garden for the urban agriculture program for over 1,000 students.

Pinellas County

• Location: R’Club Child Care, 211 S. Missouri Ave., Clearwater, FL 33756
• Volunteers will help with light housekeeping chores, organize supply closets and participate in reading and art activities with children.

Sarasota County

• Location: Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, 3130 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34230
• Volunteers will be tackling a variety of tasks such as interior cleaning, exterior landscaping, cleaning agency vehicles, organizing storage areas and more. 

United Way Suncoast has been organizing this massive undertaking for 27 years. It is the largest of its kind in the region. Day of Caring is part of United Way Suncoast’s mission to connect the caring people of the community with opportunities to make a difference. Through Day of Caring, local companies and organizations send teams to volunteer on projects that service agencies might not have the manpower or resources to afford. The value of the donated work for this year is estimated to be $273,932, amounting to 10,772 hours or 269 weeks of work.*

“Day of Caring is a unique experience for volunteers to unite in service and meet the needs of our Suncoast community,” said Autumn Pandolfo, Director of Community Engagement and Events at United Way Suncoast. “By collaborating with hundreds of non-profits, there is something everyone can participate in!”

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