Nearly 400 volunteers rolled up their sleeves and participated in 40 projects throughout the Berks County Wednesday in a kickoff to United Way’s annual Campaign.
Campaign Co-Chairs, Joe and Dana Hartz, announced the 2022 campaign fundraising goal of $10.5 million at FirstEnergy Stadium. Joe Hartz serves as the President of UGI Energy Services, based in Wyomissing.
Following the kickoff event, volunteers participated in United Way’s annual Day of Caring event, one of the largest single-day volunteer events in Berks County. The event connects company employee teams and volunteers with local nonprofits on a variety of volunteer projects.
Activities included gardening and painting projects, helping at food pantries and serving meals at area shelters, as well as fall maintenance and camp clean-up projects.
“Berks County is a special community – – we understand the importance of caring for and supporting our neighbors and those most in need” said Tammy White, President of United Way of Berks County.
“By working together, we make the greatest difference. A successful campaign is a critical element to providing stability for United Way’s 80-plus programs and services, strengthening the lives of Berks Countians and shaping our community. It’s all about people helping people.”
A few highlighted projects included Penske employees helping build a garden & outdoor classroom garden space at Lauer’s Park Elementary. Alcon employees helping with garden maintenance and painting rocks at the Oakbrook Community Garden. UGI employees painted a mural in the playground of the Reading YMCA. FirstEnergy employees spent the day cleaning up Aulenbach’s Cemetery.
