At a time when more people are in need, and more firms are struggling to stay out of the red, numerous local companies are still taking time to lend a helping hand.
The 16th annual United Way of the Ozarks Day of Caring is scheduled for Aug. 20, and 73 companies have committed to participate in the event, which puts volunteers to work doing hands-on labor at projects for community organizations in need.
Pat Dierking, manager of marketing and communications at City Utilities and the local Day of Caring committee chairwoman, said the event has expanded in 2009.
Organizations that have applied to the United Way for grants are eligible thisyear to host volunteers, as are senior citizens who need work done around their homes.
Additionally, several companies count 2009 as their first year participating in the local event. Dierking said that The System, Springfield's Paul Mitchell training school, is offering haircuts for children through the Salvation Army.
Another newcomer to the participation ranks this year is Arvest Bank. Michal Moss Early, Arvest senior vice president and sales manager for the Springfield region, said six employees are signed up to paint the lobby and hallways at Developmental Center of the Ozarks' administrative building.
"We feel it's important to partner with the community because we're not just individuals that work here - we're part of the community personally," she said. "Day of Caring is a way we can actually get out and make a difference and put some sweat equity into that."
St. John's Health System, Bass Pro Shops, Chase Card Services and Penmac Personnel Services are this year's program sponsors.
Cora Scott, St. John's media relations director, said via e-mail that the health system is donating about $5,000 as sponsor and sending about 40 volunteers to job sites Aug. 20.
Another new participant is Regions Bank. Human Resources Officer Mindy McClancy said 15 Regions employees are traveling to Bolivar to perform building maintenance for Arc of the Ozarks.
McClancy said the economy has made everyone more aware of community needs.
"I think everyone's eyes are opened," she said. "They see what's going on and they really want to help."
On behalf of the United Way agencies, Dierking said she's grateful for such support.
"If you look at what it would cost an agency to have 10 people at their place of business for eight hours, that's a great savings for them," Dierking said.
However, she's not surprised by the outpouring of corporate support.
"Springfield is a community that understands need," she said. "To go into an agency and work all day and see the end result - and how happy they are about what they're getting from this day - it's a very satisfying result. It's hard to not want to come back and do that again every year."[[In-content Ad]]
