In keeping with the spirit of Volunteerism in our communities, United Way of Southeast Alaska held its annual Day of Caring in Juneau on Friday and Saturday, September 28th and 29th. Local nonprofits were matched up with local businesses whose employee teams completed prearranged projects at the agencies. Employees of the nine participating businesses were from Northrim Bank, City and Borough of Juneau, GCI, Shattuck and Grummett Insurance, First National Bank Alaska, Coeur Alaska, United Way Board members and our AmeriCorps volunteers and Wells Fargo.
The day began at 8:00 a.m. at DIPAC for an introduction and continental breakfast. Immediately afterward, teams were dispatched to work on their assigned projects at AEYC, AWARE, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Bridge Adult Day Program, Helping Hands, SEARHC, Front Street Health Center; and Wildflower Court. Additionally, we had one project at JAMHI Health and Wellness Center that was completed on Saturday, September 29th.
All in all, over 55 volunteers were able to get a tremendous amount of work done for nine nonprofit agencies who serve the community of Juneau. A total of over 165 hours of time was donated by the volunteers from local Juneau businesses and members of city government.
Additionally, we just concluded our second Day of Caring in Ketchikan on Wednesday the 26th September and our third Day of Caring event in Sitka on Monday the 24th. Our AmeriCorps Volunteer Phoenix Keane worked to engage employees of Wells Fargo, Northrim Bank, GCI and First National Bank. These volunteers worked on projects at Sitkans Against Family Violence Shelter, Southeast Alaska Independent Living in Sitka and Ketchikan Youth Initiatives. All told more than seventy hours of volunteer time was donated to work on these projects in Sitka and Ketchikan.
Warren Russell, United Way Board Chair and Southeast Regional Manager for GCI said that “he was appreciative of all the organizations and employees that donated time and energy to the effort” He continued noting “that boots on the ground doing great work for communities and organizations make him proud to be a part of United Way of Southeast Alaska”
All of us here at United Way of Southeast Alaska would like to say a huge thank you to the participating businesses, agencies, and all of the wonderful volunteers who came out for our Juneau Day of Caring. We would also like to thank DIPAC for donating a space for our Morning Kickoff. We look forward to growing the effort next year!