County Council recognizes the lasting impact of volunteerism with a “Day of Caring”

September 20, 2010

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In recognition of the people who take time out of their lives to help their communities, the Metropolitan King County Council today declared September 24, 2010 as “Day of Caring” in King County in conjunction with the Day of Caring event sponsored by United Way of King County. The proclamation and event are part of a national effort to promote volunteerism and community service.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities, and that’s true now more than ever as the recession continues to take a toll,” said Councilmember Jan Drago, who sponsored the proclamation. “The sputtering economy is straining non-profits and charitable organizations throughout the region. My hope is that highlighting United Way’s Day of Caring will inspire residents to find their passion and volunteer. Even a modest effort can reap big rewards, and we’ll need every helping hand to get us through these tough times.”

“The efforts of volunteers in our community are critical to easing the strain on local non-profits during this time of diminishing financial resources,” said Council Chair Bob Ferguson.

The goal of the Day of Caring is to demonstrate the lasting changes that volunteering can make in just a single day. The hope is that those who participate in the event will continue to help in their communities on a regular basis.

“The volunteers out in our communities are so inspiring,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn. “It is important to recognize local volunteers because they add so much to the quality of life in King County. Our volunteers serve without the desire for recognition, but perhaps by thanking them and shedding light on their work, others may be inspired to join and increase the culture of volunteerism and community service in King County.”

“Volunteering your time and skills is a great way to feel good about contributing to improvements in your own community,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “Your skills are valued for many volunteer activities, no matter your age or expertise.”

United Way's Day of Caring is Washington State's largest single-day mobilization of volunteers and also serves as the official kick-off of United Way of King County's fundraising campaign. More than 10,000 volunteers from 120 companies are expected to participate this year, tackling 411 service projects across King County in one day.

“United Way of King County is about making fundamental change, and a key strategy to solving our community's toughest problems is volunteerism,” said Jon Fine, CEO of United Way of King County. “I can’t think of a better way to kick-off United Way’s fundraising campaign than to have so many people giving their time, to make our community stronger.”

The United Way of King County is also holding a celebration at Qwest Field on September 24 to recognize this year’s volunteers and encourage all King County residents to volunteer in their communities throughout the year.
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PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, King County relies upon the volunteer efforts of its residents to serve and support the community and make King County a better place to live and work; and

WHEREAS, schools, libraries, parks, food banks, homeless shelters, animal shelters, community councils, and countless other government and non-profit organizations depend heavily on volunteers who are willing and able to donate time and energy to improve their communities; and

WHEREAS, in response to the national effort to encourage and promote volunteerism, United Way of King County has designated September 24, 2010, as a county-wide “Day of Caring”; and

WHEREAS, United Way of King County hopes to organize and engage hundreds of companies and thousands of volunteers to demonstrate the lasting changes that volunteering can make in just a single day; and

WHEREAS, the hard work and community spirit of the Day of Caring participants will be honored at a celebration sponsored by United Way of King County at Qwest Field on September 24, 2010;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Metropolitan King County Council, hereby proclaim September 24, 2010, as

DAY OF CARING

in King County, in conjunction with the national effort to promote volunteerism and community service, and encourage all county residents to dedicate themselves to community service and experience the joy and rewards of volunteering, on this day and throughout the year.

DATED this twentieth day of September, 2010.

Councilmembers join Jon Fine, CEO of United Way of King County, after the Council declared September 24, 2010 the “Day of Caring” in King County in conjunction with the Day of Caring event sponsored by United Way of King County.