475 volunteers took on more than 75 community service projects during United Way of Payne County’s Day of Caring on Thursday, September 16th.
The Day of Caring, beginning in Payne County in 1996, is an annual single-day event where community members volunteer to support the United Way’s 22 nonprofit partner agencies.
Click here to see all photos from Day of Caring.
The volunteers assisted with projects including lawn work, painting, floor installation, cleaning, building fences and much more. These projects support the United Way’s partner agencies and their clients, improve and beautify public spaces, and generate a sense of comradery and connection among participants. Volunteers assisted partner agencies in Stillwater, Perkins, Cushing and Yale.
"Day of Caring is a continuing tradition in Payne County that showcases community spirit, generosity and the willingness to work together to help those in need, “ said Ruth Cavins, executive director of the United Way.
Local businesses also make Day of Caring successful by contributing necessary materials and supplies to complete projects. Stillwater Medical Center was the presenting sponsor with their $5,000 donation of supplies. This year’s major donors included Enbridge, Kicker, BancFirst, Simmons Bank and Exchange Bank. Additional support came from the OSU Foundation, North Central Oklahoma Home Builders Association, The Bank National Association, RCB Bank, Udoka Law, Edward Jones, Manhattan Construction and Payne County Bank. Interworks, Dr. Stephanie Kendrick and the Quilting Post also contributed resources.
For the 18th year in a row, Captain Kyle Gibbs of the Stillwater Police Department coordinated Day of Caring projects and volunteers. Angela Pradia with Shelter Insurance served as the 2021 Day of Caring chair for Stillwater.
Originally, Day of Caring was a national United Way event held all over the country on a specific day in the fall. Days of Caring are now scheduled throughout the year in thousands of communities. Day of Caring signifies the public launch of the United Way annual fundraising drive and helps their partner agencies provide important resources to Payne Country’s neighbors, peers, coworkers and family members.
The fundraising goal for the 2021 United Way Campaign is set at $950,000. One out of 3 Payne County residents receive services from United Way’s 22 partner agencies each year. Want to get involved? Learn more at www.unitedwaypaynecounty.org/donate.