United Way, Volunteer Wayne kick off week encouraging caring
By Anessa Myers
Published in News on September 17, 2007 1:46 PM
The Wayne County Public Library is no longer just an indoor spot to read books.
There is a community garden with a bench -- a perfect location for reading or eating lunch on a sunny afternoon.
But fall has set in, and the garden needs attention.
As part of the 14th annual Days of Caring, volunteers worked this morning to freshen up the greenery.
Assistant library director Donna Phillips and children's librarian Shorlette Ammons-Stephens donned work clothes this morning, picked up rakes and headed out to the yard.
"We feel very passionate about this project," Mrs. Phillips said. "It is a positive place for children and seniors to come and learn about where their food comes from and about themselves."
She added that the garden was at the end of its growing season, and she and other volunteers would be clearing out summer crops and preparing for the fall.
Mrs. Stephens hopes the garden will last until winter.
"We would like to try and keep it up through the fall," she said. "It means a lot to us."
And they want it to mean something to the community, too.
Mrs. Stephens' husband, Russell, also on hand for the morning gardening, agrees -- the garden is special.
"The library holds such a diverse group of people, and they can all come to the garden," he said. "I think it will bring families together."
Mrs. Stephens said she and other volunteers will be out in the garden all week.
"People can come to help us pull out weeds whenever they can," she said.
Anyone interested should go to the children's department in the library to get access to gardening tools, she said.
The Days of Caring, which is sponsored by the United Way and Volunteer Wayne/RSVP will continue through Sept. 22.
Volunteer and donation opportunities are still available.
-- The Wayne County Humane Society is looking for monetary donations as well as pet food, cat litter, treats, beds and cages. The society will also have volunteers on the premises with adoptable animals from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact Charlotte Williams at 734-8224 for more information.
-- Meals on Wheels will be delivering lunch to homebound people in the county through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Contact Brownie Doss at 919-580-1790 for further information.
-- The School Supply Drive will continue through Sept. 21 as well. Volunteers are asking for school supply donations for children whose families can't afford them. Donations can be turned in at the Chamber of Commerce at 308 N. Williams St. Contact Sudie Davis at 735-1432 for more information.
-- Habitat for Humanity will be building homes in Goldsboro and Mount Olive through Saturday and needs volunteers to help with laying out foundations, finishing a dried house and framing. Anyone older than 16 is encouraged to volunteer from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Lunches for those volunteers are also needed from 11:30 a.m. to noon. The Habitat For Humanity Tool Drive will be held on Friday, Sept. 21. Tools needed include hammers, tape measures, chalk lines and more. Also, safety goggles and gloves are needed. Donations can be dropped off at the Habitat office at 131 E. Walnut St. Contact Katie Huston at 736-9592 if interested.
-- Cherry Hospital will hold Project Care Package on Tuesday, Sept. 18. The project allows for volunteers to prepare care packages for patients who are being discharged back into the community. Packages can include toiletries, books, candy, stamps, envelopes, stationary, telephone cards and more. Contact Terri Smith at 731-3417 if interested.
-- On Wednesday at 2 p.m., the Wayne County Chapter of the American Red Cross needs volunteers to help with painting a 53-foot utility trailer. Contact Chuck Waller if interested at 735-7201.
-- Partnership for Children and the Wayne County Public Library will sponsor "Read for the Record" kickoff Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Volunteers are needed to assist with reading a story to children at several locations. Contact Kim Best at 735-3371 ext. 223 if interested.
-- Also on Thursday, volunteers are needed to help with gardening and landscaping from 1 to 4 p.m. at WAGES. Donations of shovels, non-toxic plants, potting soil, hanging baskets with plants, miniature plants, old rubber tires and more. Krispy Kreme and Coca-Cola will provide refreshments. Contact Karmashia Bartee at 734-1178 ext. 218 for information.
-- On Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Hispanic Community Development Center is seeking donations of backpacks and school supplies for its annual "Bookbags for Elementary School Outreach" program as well as volunteers to help put them together. The goal is to provide 250 backpacks with supplies this year. Contact Tammy Cartagena at 919-222-2650 for more information.
-- The Salvation Army's food drive will be going on Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Non-perishable items are needed -- no glass. Donations can be dropped off at the Salvation Army at 610 N. William St.
-- Also on Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Wayne County Department of Social Services will put together First Aid kits. The department also needs volunteers to prepare toiletry kits for foster children on Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and needs food supplies for families in emergency situations. Food and toiletries can be donated on Friday. Contact Rebecca Rouse at 731-1149 for the location of both.
-- From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 21 at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, volunteers are needed to help with the Pillowcase and Infant T-shirt Project, which provides a pillowcase or T-shirt to loved ones of military families until they are reunited. Contact Cindy Hartsfield at 919-722-1123 for information.
-- The Mental Health Association needs sleeping bag donations for homeless. The bags must be able to keep an individual warm when the temperature is below 32 degrees. Donations can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Contact Amy Roux for the location and further information at 734-3530.
-- On Sept. 22, WAGES will be collecting books and toys for infants and preschoolers at 601 E. Royall Ave. Contact Karmashia Bartee at 734-1178 ext. 218 for further information.
-- Also, the City of Goldsboro will be constructing a picnic shelter during Days, and Consumer Credit Counseling will offer free credit counseling.