THOUSANDS OF VOLUNTEERS GIVE BACK TO COMMUNITY: SEPTEMBER 9-15

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2006

Media Contact: Michelle Wade

203.772.2010, Ext.202
mwade@uwgnh.org

From September 9-15, thousands of volunteers from throughout the region will participate in United Way of Greater New Haven’s annual Day of Caring. This event, one of the largest volunteer initiatives in the state, began as a kick-off to United Way’s annual workplace and individual campaign which supports their work to change community conditions and improve lives. In the wake of the September 11th tragedies and the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, it has evolved into a weeklong celebration of volunteerism and a way for many local residents to give back to their communities and reach out to those in need in the greater New Haven region.

Each year, United Way organizes volunteer teams from area companies, organizations, schools and civic groups and matches them with one-time improvement projects and collection drives that benefit local nonprofit agencies, schools and parks. Many of these one day projects often develop into lasting relationships between volunteers and agencies.

This year, there are over 150 distinct Day of Caring projects, activities, and collection drives planned. Activities will take place in Branford, East Haven, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Milford, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Orange, Shelton, West Haven and Woodbridge. With over 75 companies and organizations registered to volunteer, United Way anticipates that Day of Caring 2006 will be a tremendous success.

Day of Caring is sponsored by United Way of Greater New Haven and Yale-New Haven Hospital with support from WTNH/MYTV9, Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield and 94.3 WYBC.

For a list of projects and drives in your town or more information about Day of Caring, visit http://www.uwgnh.org/day_caring.

About United Way:
United Way mobilizes the caring power of our community to create measurable, sustainable change and to improve lives. To do this we: help identify our region's greatest needs and best opportunities for change; raise dollars and invest those dollars for results; connect people to their caring through volunteer opportunities.

More information about United Way of Greater New Haven's community leadership and how you can help can be found at http://www.uwgnh.org/.

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