(Canton, OH) February 14, 2019 – United Way of Greater Stark County and The Canton Repository come together yearly to recognize some of the volunteers who impact our community, inspire others to serve and create meaningful change.
The 45th anniversary of National Volunteer Week is April 7 – 13. This special week recognizes friends, neighbors, colleagues and family members who generously contribute their time and talent to help our community thrive. We use this week as an opportunity to celebrate the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers who come together to tackle tough challenges and build stronger, more resilient communities. This week reminds us to acknowledge the people and their causes that inspire them to serve. We recognize and thank volunteers who lend their time, talent and voice to make a difference in their communities.
“Every problem that the country faces is being solved in some community by some group or some individual,” said President George H.W. Bush. “The question is how to get connected so that the whole nation can solve problems. A volunteer is a person who can see what others cannot see; who can feel what most do not feel. Often, such gifted persons do not think of themselves as volunteers, but as citizens – citizens in the fullest sense; partners in civilization.”
United Way of Greater Stark County and The Canton Repository are collaborating on a special newspaper insert to be published on Wednesday, April 10, acknowledging volunteers who go above and beyond. Nomination submission ends March 13 at noon. Volunteer awards are then reviewed by a committee comprised of editorial staff and community members. Volunteer categories include Youth Leadership, Collaboration of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.
“Many of the companies we are fortunate enough to partner with encourage employees to commit a certain number of hours every year to service programs,” says United Way of Greater Stark County President and CEO Maria Heege. “Corporate philanthropy teaches people to be civic-minded and socially aware employees. Many people that donate time during work hours continue to donate time during off-work hours. Individuals that volunteer help strengthen the community and add to their social network. Volunteering creates bonds and impacts the community with deeper connections to causes. Volunteer Week awards are a great opportunity to showcase the individuals who create meaning change in their neighbor’s lives.”
Take the time to nominate a co-worker, friend or family member who selflessly volunteers their time and has the passion to spark change and improve our world. Recognize and celebrate them today at www.starkcountyvolunteer.com
Looking to volunteer? You can find meaningful volunteer opportunities on www.uwstark.org/get-involved/volunteer . Organizations in need of volunteers can post their opportunities there too.
“Volunteering can help you reduce stress, find friends, learn new skills and advance your career,” explains Corporate and Volunteer Engagement Director Laura Prengaman. “It keeps you mentally stimulated, provides a sense of purpose and doesn’t have to be a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy week. Giving in simple ways can help those in need and improve your health and happiness.”
Contact Laura at [email protected] or (330) 491-9953 for more information on corporate or individual volunteering.
About United Way of Greater Stark County
United Way of Greater Stark County fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. We win by living United. By forging unlikely partnerships. By finding new solutions to old problems. By mobilizing the best resources. And by inspiring individuals to join the fight against their community’s most daunting social crisis. Our mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our communities in Greater Stark County. In order to live better, we must live United. For more information about United Way of Greater Stark County visit www.uwstark.org . Offices are at 401 Market Avenue North, Suite 300, Canton, Ohio 44702. (330) 491-0445.