By Staff
BENTON HARBOR – United Way of Southwest Michigan invites Berrien and Cass county non-profits to participate in this year's annual Day of Caring on Sept. 11.
On this day, the United Way help hundreds of people to Live United by connecting willing volunteers to organizations in need, to work with consumers or complete projects that will benefit people in the communities of Berrien and Cass counties.
It is estimated that more than 1,000 volunteers will come together on this impact-filled day. Independent sector studies estimate this donation of time to be valued at over $185,000.
Non-profits are encouraged to participate in the day by offering projects that will engage volunteers and strengthen their organizations.
United Way is seeking a broad variety of projects that include activities with consumers, creative opportunities, and manpower to complete capital projects.
Project forms are due at the United Way office by the end of the day, June 11.
They may be downloaded from the United Way of Southwest Michigan website at www.uwsm. Go to the Volunteer Opportunities or Give Help links and print the form to be sent by standard mail (P.O. Box 807, Benton Harbor, MI 49023), fax (269-925-1590) or email at joann.schma@uwsm.org.
Knowing that almost all projects take time and money, United Way is able to offer a limited number of Mini-Grants of $50 to $100, to assist non-profits in offsetting the cost of project supplies.
Agencies may apply for one grant per project. For more information on mini-grant opportunities for your project, contact Joann Schma at (269) 925-7772 ext. 21 or joann.schma@uwsm.org.
Each project site is responsible for securing supplies and making sure they are ready for the volunteers. This year, projects will be selected by companies (not assigned by United Way) from a booklet, on a first-come, first-served basis.
These booklets will be sent out shortly after applications are received, so organizations are urged to be sure to meet the June 11 deadline.
For volunteers, the day will begin with a community Kickoff Breakfast, celebrating both the start of United Way's campaign and the start of Day of Caring. Volunteers will then dispatch to their job sites.
More information will be available regarding the opportunity to volunteer and details of the breakfast closer to the Sept. 11 date.
Questions about Day of Caring may be directed to Joann Schma at joann.schma@uwsm.org.