Together, We're Changing the Story: United Way of Elgin's 2013 Day of Caring

Save the date! United Way of Elgin will host its 19th annual Day of Caring on Friday, September 6th 2013. The Day of Caring serves as the traditional kickoff for the Annual Campaign, as well as a day dedicated to community service.

In years past we have held community-wide food drives, done multiple projects to benefit local social service agencies, and built a playground in just 6 hours. This year, we are focusing on the importance of education and the need for volunteers to get involved in our local classrooms.

The main focus of this year's Day of Caring is getting volunteers familiar with our schools. Volunteers will either serve in classrooms by reading to students, helping with math games, or doing art projects or will be working on school beautification projects such as installing signs to identify plants around the school or painting murals on hallway walls.

A special addition to this year's event will be the chance for volunteers to learn more about School District U-46's Game Changers Mentor Program. Ron Raglin, U-46 Chief of Equity and Social Justice, will be on hand at the Day of Caring Breakfast to talk about the program and to meet afterwards with individuals interested in sign up to mentor a high school student who just needs a little extra encouragement to meet their goals and graduate from high school.

The Day of Caring will begin with a breakfast buffet, graciously sponsored by the Grand Victoria Casino, and a short program to introduce attendees to the importance of education in Elgin and what United Way and partners are currently doing to make sure kids start school ready to learn and are able to succeed in their educational pursuits. United Way is excited to welcome Mayor David Kaptain and Dr. Jose Torres, Superintendent of School District U-46 who will address the collaborative efforts in the community around education.

For more information or to RSVP for the breakfast, please call United Way of Elgin at 847-741-2259 or visit our website at www.uwelgin.org.