After breakfast, inspirational words, awards and photographs, a large number of volunteers were ready to go to work. The 19th annual United Way of Calvert County Day of Caring was held Wednesday, Sept. 11. The organization that supports numerous agencies under its umbrella had approximately 30 projects for the participants.

 

While Day of Caring is always held on a Wednesday in early September, this year the event coincided with the 12th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorists’ attacks on America.

Calvert United Way CEO Kelly Chambers asked those gathered at the kickoff ceremony held at Bayside Toyota in Prince Frederick to pause for a moment of silence.

Later, longtime United Way volunteer Brian Davis recalled Day of Caring 2001, which was scheduled for what turned out to be the day after the attack on America. Davis said many of the organizations that had scheduled projects for volunteer participants wondered if it was appropriate to still hold the event. While some projects were delayed, Davis recalled, “all the projects got done. That’s what ‘Living United’ is all about.”

Chambers said many perennial volunteers request assignments on the same project. Some efforts, like Christmas in April’s maintenance of an elderly widow’s Huntingtown home, require volunteers with labor skills. The work was intended to improve the dwelling’s overall safety, energy efficiency and accessibility.

At Chesapeake Food Pantry in Huntingtown, personnel from six area businesses helped the regular staff in assisting clients, restocking distribution boxes, plus packing and loading groceries into vehicles.

Volunteers from World Gym gave Calvert Hospice’s Shoppe for Hospice in Huntingtown a much-needed paint job.

Employees from five businesses, Calvert County Government personnel and students from Barstow Elementary School and the Career and Technology Academy helped box produce at Serenity Farm on behalf of Farming 4 Hunger. The fresh food will be distributed to local food pantries.

Employees from three businesses helped Arc of Southern Maryland with their annual picnic at Hallowing Point Park. Nkeshi Free of the Arc of Southern Maryland said clients from all three of the region’s counties and staff attend the event and mingle.Thereputic recreation specialist Crystal Haislip stated that as many as 15 volunteers from Southern Maryland Electric C