Hundreds of volunteers throughout Fairfield County participated in the annual Community Care Day event by providing a range of services to help individuals and agencies. Community Care Day, organized by the local United Way, has been a traditional event for about 30 years. The Chief Executive Officer, Melissa Dever, described who volunteered to help.
“Many of our volunteers work in local community agencies and businesses in Fairfield County. We have CEOs, bankers, accountants, marketing professionals, county and city employees, and students from the various schools in Fairfield County. Our volunteers come from various sources with all types of backgrounds,” explained Dever.
The Community Response Unit with the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office was asked to create a special gift for individuals.
“Our task for the day was to assemble and sort birthday bags for families in need. We also delivered these bags to Lutheran Social Services, Community Action, Maywood Mission, and Vineyard Church. We are proud to join hands with our local partners to serve and support those around us because when the community comes together, amazing things happen,” said Corporal Tiffany Hedrick.
Hedrick went on to say that volunteering provides a sense of connection and purpose.
“Knowing that I am helping others and contributing to something bigger than myself. Being a part of a team focused on care and compassion reminds me of the importance of community and the impact small acts of kindness can have. It can be humbling and uplifting at the same time; seeing people come together, supporting those in need, and making a difference reinforces why I do the work I do,” she said.
The Varsity L Club from Lancaster High School sent more than 60 athletes to volunteer at Geneva Hills Camp. James Crist, a teacher at LHS and Varsity L Club sponsor, said that Community Care Day is a great way for athletes to give back to their community.
“The work at Geneva Hills is difficult and so important. Athletes serving the community is the slogan for Varsity L, and I cannot think of a better way than participating in United Way’s annual Community Care Day,” said Crist.
Student athletes described some of the tasks they were assigned to do and what the experience meant to them. LHS junior and football player Michael Pennington said that he enjoyed volunteering.
“I got to take fences down, destroy old things that were no longer useful, and clean up around camp. It was nice to help others and do real work with my hands,” he said.
LHS sophomore and cross-country runner Brooke Derringer said she appreciated the positive environment.
“I love giving back to the community, and I love to help people out. I helped down at the pool putting chairs away, and then I organized arts and crafts down in the basement. I also took out trash and unboxed toys for the kids,” said Derringer.
United Way funds about 24 agencies in Fairfield County, and the Community Care Day event helps these agencies function. Dever said that volunteerism makes a positive impact and that it has become a significant tradition.
“Many of our volunteers look forward to this event all year long and have been involved as volunteers for many years. In fact, some organizations continually serve the same agency each year with volunteers, as they have developed a great relationship through Community Care Day. We have several organizations in Fairfield County that put together a large number of their employees to volunteer each year,” said Dever.
