Volunteers come together to take action

Tygart Valley United Way is starting summer 2022 off right. Today’s Day of Action saw the largest group of volunteers in the project’s history, hosting over 240 volunteers at 31 projects across the organization’s five county region.

“We are thrilled with the turn out of this year’s event” said Casey Gilbert, Director of Community Impact.  “Each year, United Ways across the United States celebrate the first day of summer with a nationwide day of volunteer service, and we are so proud of our volunteers for being part of that big day. Non-profit agencies haven’t stopped providing much needed service throughout the pandemic, so this is our way of giving back to them and thanking them for their hard work.”

“This last year has certainly been one for the record books,” said Chief Executive Officer, Brett White. “We have seen our community come together like never before to return a new sense of normalcy to events and daily life. Now with this special day, we have the opportunity to be change agents across our entire region.”

Angela Daniels, Regional Engagement Director, is appreciative of caring individuals in the region who support their communities. “As we can see with the turn out for Day of Action, our citizens truly care about their communities. This is especially important for the United Way, as we also launch United for Kids today, our annual collection drive for school pantries in our five counties.”

The hygiene and other personal care items that are collected between now and August 6th, will be distributed to all 50 schools in Marion, Randolph, Taylor, Barbour and Tucker counties. Collections will take place throughout all five counties and individuals can drop items at both United Way offices 24 hours a day at their collection boxes. Those interested in helping can also shop online using the Amazon Wishlist that has been setup for the program. More information about drop off locations can be found at http://www.tvunitedway.org/unitedforkids.

“Our volunteers, partners, and donors are the lifeblood of United Way, and we could not be any more grateful to them for the work that’s being done in our region,” added White. “They are truly Living United!”