United Way of Berks County’s annual Day of Caring took place on Thursday, September 17 and connected company employee teams with local nonprofits on a variety of volunteer projects. More than 130 volunteers participated in nearly 20 projects, during the day (mostly from 9 am to 2 pm).
Activities included beautification, painting and playground/camp clean-up projects. Safety protocols were in place with proper use of PPE and physical distancing.
On Tuesday, September 22, United Way launches its annual Campaign. This year’s Campaign Kickoff Event will take place virtually and features a “Some Good News” theme, modeled from the popular web series. Viewers can watch the event on Facebook Live (@uwberks) beginning at 8 am on the 22nd.
- Event highlights include:
- Campaign Co-Chairs, Sue and Craig Perrotty, announce a Campaign Challenge Match, along with campaign goal
- Introduction of the 2020 Loaned Campaign Specialists
- Good News happenings demonstrating the Live United spirit
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT: “In a year when just about everything is different, the unwavering commitment to caring for one another is steadfast,” says Tammy White, President of United Way of Berks County. “Our Day of Caring volunteers embody our humanity.”
“We are thankful to the companies and individuals supporting these projects. Now more than ever, support of the campaign is critical to help increased needs due to the pandemic. Too many families are hungry and face the potential of becoming homeless,” adds White.
United Way’s annual campaign raises the funds to support 80+ health and human service programs which translates into helping more than 150,000 people in 2021. “The campaign launches next week under the leadership of Campaign Co-Chairs, Sue and Craig Perrotty. They, along with their volunteer Campaign Cabinet, have been working for months to plan a campaign that will be anything but usual.”
“In many ways United Way is the glue that holds so many pieces of our community together,” says Sue Perrotty. “I’ve been involved with the organization for 40-plus years, and I’ve seen first-hand how United Way programs change lives – – from kids achieving greater academic success through mentoring and after-school programs to older adults living healthier lives thanks to receiving nutritious meals. United Way responds to both immediate and ongoing community needs.”
Craig Perrotty credits United Way supporters with ensuring 80-plus programs are in place for the more than 150,000 people who benefit each year. “The desire to help others remains, and the United Way campaign provides the opportunity for those who can to provide help and hope to those in need.”
- A sampling of Day of Caring Projects include:
- Aulenbach Cemetery, 2050 Howard Blvd, Reading – grounds clean-up
- Children’s Home of Reading, 1010 Centre Ave, Reading – organizing/painting projects
- Glenside Elementary School, 500 Lackawanna Street. Reading – garden clean-up
- Olivet Boys & Girls Club, 330 S. 19th Street and 1161 Pershing Blvd, Reading – grounds clean-up and sorting books
- Opportunity House, 430 N. 2nd Street, Reading – garden clean-up
