'Day of Caring' needs volunteers in Elgin

If you're interested in helping local schools and nonprofits that need painting, planting, building and more, United Way of Elgin hopes you'll sign up for its "Day of Caring."

The agency is bringing back its volunteer event July 27 after a four-year hiatus to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Volunteers are asked to register by Friday, although latecomers will be accepted, said Elissa A. Kojzarek, the agency's director of marketing.

The day will focus on beautification projects at nine health and human services agencies and three elementary schools in the Elgin area. A total of 130 volunteers are needed.

Projects include painting the lobby and installing shelving at Easter Seals DuPage & Fox Valley, repainting the boardroom and redoing a bathroom at Family Service Association of Greater Elgin, and extending plant beds along Highland Elementary School in Elgin, Kojzarek said.

After the last "Day of Caring" in 2013, the agency decided to focus on organizing fall fundraisers, although it continued to help local groups with individual projects, Kojzarek said.

The board of director decided this year it wanted to bring back the event in summer, when people most enjoy doing landscaping, painting and the like, said Bonnie Henn-Pritchard, chairwoman of the events committee.

"We thought it would just be a great way to celebrate that (20th anniversary) milestone and bring it back, because we really do believe it's a valuable source of community involvement and beautification for the community."

"I hope we can get the word out about United Way and the good things that we can do - and are doing - for the community. That ... we can galvanize and connect with people to ensure we understand what they need, and we are there to support them in any way possible."

United Way agencies across the country hold "Day of Caring" events throughout the year. The Elgin event has local sponsors that, among other things, provide breakfast and lunch, Kojzarek said.

If interested in volunteering, visit uwelgin.org/2018DayofCaring. People can select indoor or outdoor projects, and can sign up as an individual or with a team.