UNITED WAY’S ANNUAL WEEK OF CARING UNDERWAY

The Fun in the Sun water event Wednesday at YWCA Bristol – part of the United Way’s annual Week of Caring – couldn’t have come on a better day; The first day of summer brought lots of humidity and heat, with temperatures topping out at 92 degrees.

“We actually had more employees who wanted to come than we could take,” Bristol Motor Speedway General Manager Jerry Caldwell said with a laugh as he and nine other speedway employees set up a water sprinkler, a mini wading pool and other water fun activities for several 2-year-old children in the YWCA’s Day Care program. “The Week of Caring has always been a great way for us to give back to our community and support the United Way for all it does. And we couldn’t have picked a better day to be out playing in the water, as hot as it is.”

Through Friday, employees with local businesses and organizations will volunteer their time and talents at agencies supported by two area United Way chapters: the United Way of Bristol and the United Way of Russell and Washington Counties.

The YWCA Bristol is one of 28 non-profits supported by the United Way of Bristol: the United Way chapter in Russell and Washington Counties helps 39 agencies.

United Way officials say the week offers an opportunity for many non-profits to complete projects that might otherwise go unattended due to a lack of manpower and resources – while also allowing volunteers to personally see the work those agencies carry out each day.

“So far, the week has been going wonderfully,” Lisa Cofer, United Way of Bristol executive director, said Wednesday. “We’ve gotten great feedback from the companies taking part in the projects. And the agencies truly appreciate the support and help that’s being provided.”

Added Cofer: “This week is all about helping out others, and it’s going really well.”

Projects include painting rails, setting up picnic tables and lights, cleaning playground equipment, general yard work, swimming-safety presentations and museum and theater field trips.

For more information on Week of Caring events, contact the United Way of Bristol at (423) 968-4912, or United Way of Russell and Washington Counties at (276) 628 -2160.

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