Many nonprofit and volunteer organizations throughout Indian River County offered their services to the community on Saturday, October 15 for United Way’s 27th Annual Day of Caring.
As the largest one-day of service event on the Treasure Coast, the nonprofit brings nearly 1,000 volunteers together to participate in community service; sponsored once again by Publix Super Markets.
This year’s event hosted over 950 volunteers who completed 57 projects. Volunteer groups included Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Elliot Merrill, Girls on the Run, Northern Trust, Nuttal, Donini and Associates, CPA’s, Publix, Rehmann, Seacoast Bank, Vero Beach Oceanside Rotary, and the Tax Collector’s office of Indian River County, among many others.
The event kicked off at the Vero Beach High School’s Billy Livings Field, where hundreds of volunteers gathered for breakfast, donated by Joe and MaryAnn Conrado and Jeremy Odom, owners and operators of the local McDonald’s, Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice, and homemade cookies from Thelma Jean’s Bakery. Following the morning announcements, volunteers were energized by routines from the VBHS Cheer Squad and a fun warm-up from TBLB Fitness.
Projects were hosted by the Children’s Home Society of Florida, Crossover Mission, Hope for Families Center, Substance Awareness Center, The Arc of Indian River County, and many others. From painting, weeding, and trimming to organizing and writing greeting cards, volunteers had their hands full. Plus, 250 literacy kits were assembled and donated to Head Start of Indian River County.
Many of the volunteers said it was an incredible day to meet with nonprofits working to make Indian River County a healthier and stronger community. “There are so many of our neighbors struggling right now in their day-to-day lives, so every little bit of support helps,” said Meredith Egan, United Way of Indian River County CEO. “Any chance we have to give back is an opportunity to contribute to something good and feel good about doing it.”
Additionally, United Way would like to thank Gould Cooksey for donating water and CVS Distribution Center for donating many of the supplies used for the early learning kits.
United Way’s hub for opportunities, Volunteer Indian River County, is currently undergoing a facelift, but will soon offer year-round opportunities for those looking to get involved.
