Thousands Volunteer For Annual United Way Day Of Caring

Reported by: Nikki Burdine
Tuesday, Sep 9, 2008 @06:00pm EST

MARTINSBURG, WV - Parking lots are being re-done and houses are getting new floors.  These are just a few of the projects in this year’s United Way Day of Caring.

"We always talk about at the United Way is that it’s not just about giving your dollars it’s about giving your hearts, it’s about giving your talents, it’s giving your time," says Trina Bartlett of the United Way.

For the past 14 years the United Way of Martinsburg has held an entire day devoted to volunteering.  Volunteers take a day off of work to help in the community.

Stacie Rohn of the Boys and Girls Club says, "This volunteer help is incredible, because it’s taking care of projects that we wouldn’t be able to do with just our general staff and parent volunteers.  It’s been amazing how the community has really come together to help us out."

Even high school students are getting involved, like Katrina Durst, a junior at Martinsburg High school.  "I just come out and give my time.  I can’t offer much money because I’m a high school student. Time is more valuable in a lot of ways."

There are more than 80 projects throughout the community, like houses that are being restored, all made possible by more than 1,000 volunteers.

"It’s very rewarding at the end of the day.  I can’t wait to see how all these floors come together and get everything in place and everything cleaned up, and it will just be amazing what we can accomplish in a matter of hours," volunteer Aaron Hawell says.

Another volunteer, Matt Stickel says, "It’s important to give back and help out the community.  There are people in need and if you’re able to help then I feel you should be willing to help."

“I think everyone is being helped whether they are giving or they are receiving, because I think the volunteers get as much as the recipients do.  It’s a wonderful experience for everyone,” says Bartlett.

So whether they are fixing houses or fixing parking lots, it’s clear each of the volunteers are making a difference and at the very least, as Matt says, “Getting out of the office for a day.”