NEW RIVER VALLEY – Local business representatives and volunteers from the general community, local companies and organizations recently came out to support the United Way of the New River Valley’s new joint Day of Caring and Campaign Kickoff Event.
United Way’s Campaign Kick-off marks the beginning of the United Way fundraising season each year. The Day of Caring is a community project that offers volunteers the chance to see an impact in the NRV.
Volunteers gathered at Great Road on Main in Downtown Christiansburg to receive their projects and this year’s LIVE UNITED t-shirt. United Way’s Executive Director, Kymn Davidson-Hamley, began the kick-off event with an introduction and welcome. She shared opening remarks about what it means to LIVE UNITED in the community, and introduced speakers including Laura Beth Weaver from the Women’s Resource Center and Shelby Kelley from CHIP of the NRV.
Volunteers then split into teams to complete projects with non-profit agencies throughout the New River Valley such as Valley Interfaith Child Care Center, Goodwill and Radford-Fairlawn Daily Bread. They assisted with hands-on projects such as sorting and organizing donations, prepping and serving meals, laying mulch down on playgrounds and more.
“Day of Caring is a great example of how much the people who support our local United Way care about our community,” said Marcela Jara, Programs Manager of the United Way of the New River Valley. “By working with our partner agencies, not only are they helping with these great projects, they also get a hands on understanding of the needs our community has and how they can be better advocates for the services that need our support.”
United Way of the New River Valley’s mission is to unite local people and resources to improve lives in the New River Valley. United Way and its partner agencies identify needs and address them with the collective generosity of local people and local companies. Company campaigns and special fundraisers have begun in the New River Valley. If you would like more information on how to get involved in the
next Day of Caring, please visit United Way of the New River Valley’s website at www.unitedwaynrv.org, or contact the office at info@unitedwaynrv.org or 540-381-2066.
