Still time to care: Days of Caring offers chance to do good -- with little effort

There are lots of ways Wayne County residents contribute to making their community a better place to live every day.

They volunteer. They donate. They take time out to look after their neighbors, their neighborhoods and their families. And their efforts save taxpayers thousands of dollars each year.

But this week is special.

The annual Days of Caring event asks Wayne County residents to put aside some of their time and effort in one, big community effort to show just what volunteers can do if they stick together.

Sponsored by Volunteer Wayne/RSVP and the United Way of Wayne County, the projects are varied and many and going on right now.

For those who have a hankering to hammer, Habitat for Humanity is building a house. Those with little time, but a donation to give, can find a recipient with a list this week. Local food pantries and other agencies that serve the county's low-income families are looking for everything from food and clothing to basic medical and hygiene supplies.

And if you are a dog or cat lover, local humane societies are hoping you will stop by and drop off a toy or some food for a needy animal.

And that is just the surface of the possibilities for those who want to be part of the last couple of days of the week of caring.

Making a difference is as simple as picking up the phone and calling Volunteer Wayne/RSVP or the United Way office or by checking the organization's Web site for drop-off points as well as the agencies participating. Lists and drop-off points are also on the News-Argus Web site.

But if you have an idea of your own, don't let red tape stop you.

If you want to help, pick up some litter in your neighborhood or along a roadway, take time to stop by a local nursing home and visit the patients there, or volunteer to read a book at your child's school.

It doesn't matter how much you contribute. It matters that you took the time to care.

Published in Editorials on September 18, 2008 11:06 AM