CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region hosted its annual Days of Caring on May 12th and 13th. During the event, community volunteers and those from local businesses donated their time and talents to help at several United Way partner agencies.
A total of 156 hours of service were completed by 55 volunteers. Projects varied widely to accommodate many areas of service such as meal preparation and delivery, landscaping, painting, senior activities and numerous other tasks.
“Days of Caring was established to strengthen our local volunteer network and provide an opportunity for local workplace partners to join forces with United Way agency programs. These community superheroes made a powerful difference, completing projects that programs with limited resources could not otherwise accomplish. We are grateful for their willingness to volunteer and for the resulting impact of their service,” said Ginna Holleman, local United Way CEO.
Agencies receiving volunteer service were Clarksville-Montgomery County Community Action Agency, Ajax Turner Senior Citizens Center, Centerstone Regional Intervention Program, Progressive Directions Kids Depot and Adult Day Center, Fort Campbell Armed Services YMCA and Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency’s Meals on Wheels.
“The Armed Services YMCA would like to extend our deepest thanks for the local workplace volunteers that assisted us during the 2015 Days of Caring,” said Executive Director Karen Grimsley. “The volunteers cleaned, sorted and prepped all of our camp supplies. In addition, they sorted, tagged and photographed a large supply of newly donated formals for Backdoor Boutique. The volunteers were enthusiastic about giving their time and service to programs that support Fort Campbell families.”
The Armed Services YMCA serves military members and their families with programs such as preschool/childcare, spouse support services, and health and wellness services. The agency also operates the Backdoor Boutique and Ballroom program which assists junior enlisted soldiers and their families with much needed clothing and household items.
Local businesses and their employees supporting the event include Bridgestone Metalpha, Cumberland Bank & Trust, Daymar Institute, Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council, Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation, Fort Campbell Federal Credit Union, Legends Bank, Planters Bank, Publix, Stone, Rudolph & Henry CPAs and Trane.
This year’s “Shine On Award” was earned by Legends Bank and is presented to the workplace with the highest employee participation. Kathleen Hayes, local Legends Bank employee, United Way Team Captain and 2014 Volunteer of the Year, shares her reasons for volunteering with Days of Caring.
“When we give to United Way we are helping to support over 25 programs that promote economic stability, education, and health. Because someone else cared years ago, my family was able to receive some of these services. As an adult, I don’t take that for granted. If not for the generosity of others, I may not have become who I am. I am proud to be a part of a community that cares for their neighbors and realizes the value of working together to strengthen one another. I’ve always been humbled to think that every individual has an opportunity to change the future. Every day we have choices to make that influence our lives and the lives of others. I hope I never have to look back with regret because I failed to care,” she said.