The Peru Gazette

April 16, 2011 is the United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc Day of Caring. It is a day-long event in which over 300 community members have volunteered to undertake over 30 projects in the three County region. The regional event will occur in Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties, from Ticonderoga to Malone and Plattsburgh to Tupper Lake and all points in between. The projects range in cleaning senior’s houses, inside and out, to building homes for 2 Habitat for Humanity projects, helping the Plattsburgh Recreation Department with the ½ marathon, food drives, painting & cleaning inside The Strand and many more. “It’s a celebration of volunteerism, and our being able to advance the mission of the United Way” said John C. Bernardi, Executive Director of the United Way of the Adirondack Region.The United Way partnered up with the State University of New York at Plattsburgh’s Project HELP and the Press-Republican. “Project HELP at SUNY Plattsburgh is excited to be partnering with the United Way of the Adirondack Region for the Day of Caring. This collaborative relationship strengthens our ability to serve our region. SUNY Plattsburgh already celebrates a rich culture of civic engagement. From onetime events to our ongoing relationships with local agencies Project HELP strives to connect our students with the needs of community” said Michael Cashman, Coordinator of Student Activities at SUNY Plattsburgh.

The United Way Board of Directors, Staff and Stakeholders felt it was the right time to have an event like the Day of Caring with the needs being so great in the community. “Giving ones time is as valuable as giving ones money and sometimes easier as economic times are tough. Serving one another freely strengthens and deepens the bonds of the community” said Kathy Snow, Administrative Coordinator of the United Way of the Adirondack Region, Inc. A number of local organizations and businesses are volunteering today including, Schonbek, Georgia Pacific, AES Engineering, North Country Community College, Literacy Volunteers of Clinton County, Mental Health Association of Essex County, NAMI of Champlain Valley, Stewarts in Port Henry, Pfizer, Residential Resources, the Girl Scouts along with a number of individuals and families.