More than 120 volunteers fanned out across Martinsville and Henry County on Sept. 18 for the United Way’s annual Day of Action, contributing more than 450 hours of volunteer service to projects throughout the community.
Volunteers worked on 10 projects and participated in three drives. Project sites included the Pregnancy Center of Martinsville-Henry County, Dick & Willie Passage Rail Trail, Infinity Acres, Fostering Champions and Spencer-Penn Centre.
“Throughout the day, we will have over 120 volunteers working on 10 projects and 3 drives throughout our community. The true spirit of day of action, when all the volunteers do what they have committed to do today, then over 450 volunteer hours will have been logged in just one single day,” United Way board member Callie Hietala said.
Another volunteer effort is planned Oct. 3 to help unload pumpkins for the Grace Network Pumpkin Patch.
The Day of Action also provided an opportunity for United Way of Henry County and Martinsville to highlight its annual fundraising campaign.
The organization has set a $500,000 campaign goal, with funds supporting programs focused on health, youth opportunity and financial security.
Hietala said United Way-supported programs include efforts to prepare children for kindergarten, improve early literacy, help high school seniors develop financial skills, connect residents with health resources and provide basic-needs assistance to people experiencing financial hardship.
“That goal is ambitious, but it’s also absolutely within our reach, thanks to people like you,” Hietala said.
As of the Day of Action, United Way’s pacesetter partners had raised $120,297.20, or about 24% of the campaign goal.
“I am proud to announce that, as of this morning, our pace setter partners have raised an incredible $120,297.2 or 24% of our $500,000 goal. Thank you all so much for paving the way for our united way to continue our vision for all to thrive in Martinsville and Henry County,” Hietala said.
Pacesetter partners include Bassett Furniture, Southwestern Va. Gas, The Lester Group, Shenandoah Furniture, Frith Construction, Hooker Furniture, Eastman Chemical Co., Carter Bank and Henry County Public Schools.
United Way also is preparing for “The Stretch,” an economic reality simulation designed to give participants a better understanding of the financial challenges faced by low-income families.
The event will be held Oct. 27 at the West Piedmont Higher Education Center in Martinsville. United Way is seeking both participants and volunteers for the event.
For more information, contact United Way of Henry County and Martinsville at 276-638-3946 or visit engagehcm.org.
