United Way Of Franklin County Encourages “Hands Off” Service Projects

The Day of Caring kicks off on Saturday, November 7th.

(Franklin County, Ind.) - United Way of Franklin County’s (UWFC) Annual Day of Caring is going to look a little different this year, like most events, because of the COVID-19 virus. Instead of a large pool of volunteers teaming up to tackle leaf raking, window washing, fall clean up, etc. for the elderly and shut-ins or helping at local nonprofit agencies, UWFC is encouraging hands off service projects on a smaller scale.

“We realized when we started planning, we would have to make some changes to ensure everyone was safe and risk was minimized” stated Kelly Bulmer, Executive Director. “Our event chairs, Gloria Dixon and Rhonda Kerr did a great job envisioning what Day of Caring could be this year.”

The Day of Caring kicks off on Saturday, November 7th with the UWFC student board raking leaves at some of the homes that have been done in the past. The student group is much smaller, and the list of homes had decreased a bit this year.

In addition, with the help of St. Michaels 6 and 7th grade art students and First Financial Bank employees, you will see positive messaging signs displayed throughout the community along with encouraging messages in sidewalk chalk at the town park.

“We felt like we really wanted to spread some positive encouraging thoughts throughout the community because we feel everyone is really struggling right now because of the pandemic, it is wearing on people, stated Dixon, co-chair of Day of Caring. “So hopefully the signs, and the sidewalk chalk will brighten someone’s day when they see them!”

Along with the positive messaging projects, UWFC has a few other service projects in mind. Individuals or groups can do a collection drive for three local organizations:

Red Life Food Bank

· Peanut butter

· Tuna or other canned meat

· Jelly

· Macaroni and cheese

· Canned Vegetables

Franklin County Christian Outreach Paper Goods Pantry

· Paper towels, toilet paper or tissues

· Large trash bags

· Laundry Detergent (25 load size)

· All purpose cleaner (spray or wipes)

· Bar Soap (i.e. Dove or Ivory)

· Dish Soap (no dishwasher liquid)

· Shampoo (prefers 2 in 1)

· Hand Soap

New Mercies

· Green beans, corn, mixed vegetables

· Applesauce, fruit cocktail

· Canned meats like chicken and tuna

· Spaghetti sauce

Please contact the United Way office to arrange delivery of collected items.

UWFC is also encouraging individuals or groups to write encouraging letters to residents at Safe Passage the local domestic violence shelter, or residents at local nursing homes. Letters can be dropped off at United Way Office for distribution.

UWFC is encouraging families and groups to think outside the box for ways to serve. Maybe you have a neighbor who needs some help with raking or yard clean up or maybe you would like to pick up trash in your neighborhood? Remember to wear masks and social distance when necessary.

Anyone planning on completing a service project can pick up a t-shirt at the United Way office during the 1st week of November on Monday and Thursday from 9-3 or Tuesday and Wednesday from 9-5. To make other arrangements, please call the office at 765-647-2789. There are a limited number of t-shirts available so do not wait! Participants are encouraged to take pictures and use #DAYOFCARINGFC on social media sites.

UWFC would like to thank the Day of Caring Sponsors: FCN Bank, G2 Apparel, Giesting Family Dentistry, Gillman’s Do It Best Home Center, Margaret Mary Health, and Zimmer Tractor.

UWFC has been serving the community for the last thirty years by positively impacting the lives by assessing needs, uniting partner agencies, organizations and volunteers and devoting financial resources and efforts to the most critical needs. For more information visit www.uwfcin.org