ASHLAND — The Ashland County United Way Kay Conrad Day of Caring is in its 27th year, and continues to grow and expand the number of county residents receiving volunteer services during the event.
This volunteer event was the vision of the late Kay Conrad, who felt that volunteerism and service to others is the cornerstone for a strong community. Her legacy continues and her presence is felt by many during this important day.
Teams are assigned to multiple homes in Ashland County and includes yard work, exterior cleaning and small exterior jobs. This volunteer day meets the needs of Ashland County Residents who are unable to complete yard work and winterizing of homes necessary before the start of winter.
Referrals for this program are made primarily through United Way Partner Agencies such as Ashland County Council on Aging, The Salvation Army Kroc Center, Appleseed Mental Health, and others. United Way of Ashland County matches home requests and volunteer teams to provide the services requested by the resident.
This year teams were also sent to two partner agencies: Safe Haven and to the Council on Aging for landscaping and yard clean up. The volunteer teams also brought lunch to the residents at Safe Haven. October is Domestic Violence and Breast Cancer Awareness month and the T-shirts for the day have both the purple and pink ribbon on the back to show support to for both causes.
Volunteer teams this year are comprised of local businesses, partner agencies, clubs, and residents.
“We are very excited about our 2021 Day of Caring,” said Stacy Schiemann, Executive Director of United Way. “This year we have worked incredibly hard to make sure that we are providing a meaningful event for our residents. Over 235 volunteers filling 30 volunteer teams will make a difference to 90 homes across Ashland County.
“This is an amazing opportunity for our community to come together and make a vast impact to our county in a concentrated period of time. Ashland County has amazing businesses that have made volunteerism a part of their work culture. These businesses not only encourage their staff to participate but have sponsored entire teams for the day to make a difference in Ashland County.”
All areas of the county will be reached with teams located in Ashland, West Salem, Loudonville, Perrysville, and Greenwich.
We would like to thank the following sponsors for making this important day a success, Media Sponsor: Whitcomb & Hess, Lunch Sponsors for the volunteers and residents: Ashland University, Bill Harris Auto & Chevy Network, Critchfield, Critchfield & Johnston, First Energy Foundation, Park National Bank and the Rotary Club of Ashland. Supply Sponsors: Bo Lacey Construction & Moritz Materials.
Thank you to everyone who makes this special day possible.
