United Way of Berks County kicked off its fall fundraising campaign Thursday with its annual ‘Day of Caring’ event. Activities include beautification, painting and playground/camp clean-up projects.
Due to the Pandemic, the annual event looked a little different in light of social distancing. However, that didn’t stop more than 130 volunteers from participating in 20 local projects.
A few of the days projects included grounds clean-up at Aulenbach Cemetery, organizing /painting projects at the Children’s Home of Reading, garden clean-up at Glenside Elementary School, 500 Lackawanna Street, and grounds clean-up and sorting books at Olivet Boys & Girls Clubs in Reading.
On Tuesday, September 22, United Way launches its annual Campaign. This year’s Campaign Kickoff Event will take place virtually and features a “Some Good News” theme, modeled from the popular web series. Viewers can watch the event on Facebook Live (@uwberks) beginning at 8 am on the 22nd.
“In a year when just about everything is different, the unwavering commitment to caring for one another is steadfast,” says Tammy White, President of United Way of Berks County. “Our Day of Caring volunteers embody our humanity.”
“We are thankful to the companies and individuals supporting these projects. Now more than ever, support of the campaign is critical to help increased needs due to the pandemic. Too many families are hungry and face the potential of becoming homeless,” adds White.
United Way’s annual campaign raises the funds to support 80+ health and human service programs which translates into helping more than 150,000 people in 2021.
“The campaign launches next week under the leadership of Campaign Co-Chairs, Sue and Craig Perrotty. They, along with their volunteer Campaign Cabinet, have been working for months to plan a campaign that will be anything but usual.”
“In many ways United Way is the glue that holds so many pieces of our community together,” says Sue Perrotty.
“I’ve been involved with the organization for 40-plus years, and I’ve seen first-hand how United Way programs change lives – – from kids achieving greater academic success through mentoring and after-school programs to older adults living healthier lives thanks to receiving nutritious meals. United Way responds to both immediate and ongoing community needs.”
Craig Perrotty credits United Way supporters with ensuring 80-plus programs are in place for the more than 150,000 people who benefit each year. “The desire to help others remains, and the United Way campaign provides the opportunity for those who can to provide help and hope to those in need.”
