Schuylkill United Way Day of Caring helps community
POTTSVILLE — More than 550 volunteers signed up for 22 projects across Schuylkill County on the recent Schuylkill United Way's Capt. Jason B. Jones Memorial Day of Caring.
The projects ranged from pulling weeds to setting up large tents at the Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation.
Despite rain, volunteers showed up at Avenues, formerly United Cerebral Palsy in Pottsville, ready to tackle indoor and outdoor projects. Volunteers from Geisinger St. Luke's Hospital, Mauch Chunk Trust Company and St. Luke's Hospital Miners Campus in Coaldale joined State Rep. Tim Twardzik, R-123, Butler Twp. to work on the projects.
The group planted a tree in honor of the late Mal Weaver Bartram, founder of United Cerebral Palsy in Pottsville.
'These projects may seem small, but they mean so much,' said Mike Joyce, Schuylkill United Way director of community engagement. 'It's great getting jobs done, but being around friendly, caring people that are lending a hand is a good boost to everyone's spirit.'
LVH-Schuylkill workers take a break from their project at Salvation Army in Pottsville on Day of Caring. SUBMITTED
Rain postponed some projects, but most have been rescheduled.
'We know weather can be a damper on the day, but it's inspiring to see projects being rescheduled,' said Kelly R. Malone, Schuylkill United Way executive director. 'People want to help in Schuylkill County, it's that simple.'
Day of Caring was named for the late Capt. Jason B. Jones, of Orwigsburg, in 2015, honoring his commitment and service to his country.
After graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, he served with the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, N.C. Commanding a Special Forces unit, he died in Afghanistan at age 29 on June 2, 2014.
A volunteer with Day of Caring helps paint at Tamaqua Adult Day Care Center. SUBMITTED
Day of Caring projects and volunteers included:
Salvation Army, Pottsville: Lehigh Valley Health Network Rural Residents; Schuylkill YMCA: Sentry Services and Supports; Scouting America Hawk Mountain Council: Wegmans, Amazon, Walmart, Community Options and United Way staff; and Servants To All: Hidden River Credit Union.
Blue Mountain Elementary School West fifth graders entertained at the Lebanon Veterans Hospital.
Students in schools and libraries around Schuylkill County have written letters for Operation Gratitude, which sends packages to service men and women around the world.
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