United Way sets $4M goal as Day of Caring begins

As some 1,700 community volunteers from 96 companies donate their time during the 21st annual Day of Caring today, the United Way of the Ozarks is charting its course to meet a $4 million fundraising goal this year.

The Day of Caring - which today has workers aiding 55 nonprofits on 155 projects - marks the ceremonial beginning to United Way's annual campaign, according to a news release.

If the organization reaches its financial goal, it would increase fundraising by 5 percent compared to 2012's result. United Way last year also set a $4 million benchmark and raised $3.88 million. In 2011, the organization raised $3.46 million, about $100,000 short of its goal, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

"Day of Caring is a great event for both the agencies and the volunteers. The agencies are able to have projects completed with donated talent and resources, and the funds they are able to save stay in their programs where it will have the most impact," Day of Caring Chairwoman Jamie Dopp of KY3 Inc. said in the release. "The volunteers enjoy a day of fellowship with co-workers, as well as learn about the work the agencies are doing to help eliminate our red-flag issues.”

[[In-content Ad]]