Hundreds of volunteers will help United Way of the Quad Cities kick off this year's fundraising campaign. For the 10th year, it will hold a Day of Caring tomorrow at sites around the area.
President, Scott Crane, says it's a chance for members of the community to give back by cleaning up parks, reading to children, and spending time with non-profit organizations.
"We see families that are living in generational poverty; we see kids that are struggling with mental health issues, and so complex issues--it can't be United Way along that really makes the change in it, but the entire community coming together."
Since the first Day of Caring ten years ago, more than 11,000 volunteers have donated their time. This year, a record 2,600 will participate in the event. The day of caring marks the start of United Way's annual campaign, which raised nearly $8.4 million last year.
Crane says, "Folks really stepped up, and then those that could give did give, and they want to see the Quad Cities continue to improve and get better and be a great place for everyone to live, and I think that's...I'm not going to say it makes our job easy, but it does make it easier."
Crane says volunteers and businesses in the Quad Cities have been generous. He hopes United Way will raise even more money before its campaign ends in February.
The 10th Annual Day of Caring will kick off at 8 am tomorrow at the RiverCenter in Davenport. That's when this year's goal will be announced.