West Virginia’s sixth annual volunteer extravaganza is kicking off this September. Volunteer projects are scheduled throughout the state September 9th -October 10th in honor of Day to Serve.
“It is a common misconception that people don’t have time to volunteer,” said Heather Foster, Executive Director of Volunteer West Virginia. “Day to Serve is a special time to step away from the hustle and bustle and do something nice for West Virginia.”
This year projects are scheduled throughout the state in towns like Arthurdale, Huntington, and South Charleston. Projects are as varied as reading to rescued horses in Tornado to a historic cemetery cleanup at the Weston State Hospital. To find a local project in your community visit www.daytoserve.org.
The large service project initiative convenes partners including the West Virginia State Fire Marshal, the American Red Cross, local fire departments, churches and more to install free smoke alarms this year, among other projects to strengthen local communities. Volunteers and teams are needed throughout the state. The project is a perfect match for church groups, clubs, civic organizations, and business volunteers. Interested groups can learn more at www.firemarshal.wv.gov, 304-558-2191 or contact their local Red Cross.
Last year over 10,200 West Virginians pitched in at 555 volunteer events. Projects varied from transforming a dump into a trail in Morgantown to building raised beds in South Charleston to supporting a local soup kitchen.
The Day to Serve event began in 2012 as a collaboration between the Governors of West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, and the Mayor of Washington D.C. The initiative invites all citizens, faith groups, businesses, and community organizations to join the cause. Community members and local organizations are encouraged to meet the needs of people in their own backyards.
Local organizations who have volunteer projects scheduled from September 9th -October 10th are encouraged to add their project to the Event Map at www.daytoserve.org. To learn more visit the website, or call 304-558-0111.