United Way 'Day of Action' in Brookfield Wednesday

On Wednesday, over 700 volunteers from 30 local businesses and corporations will show their “community stuff” by taking part United Way of Western Connecticut’s Annual Day of Action. More than 50 projects will take place to benefit human services agencies within the 14-town area of Northern Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties, including two in Brookfield. 

“Day of Action offers individuals and businesses across our communities an opportunity to demonstrate a commitment not only to volunteerism, but to those programs that serve people in need,” said Kimberly Morgan, Interim CEO of the United Way of Western Connecticut.  “The people who live and work in our community have always responded to United Way’s call to action, and for the 18th year we see this, as close to 40 social service organizations will benefit from the actions of more than 700 energized volunteers.”

Area companies have signed up for projects such as landscaping, painting, cleaning, collecting food and event planning that includes planning a picnic for program clients and reading to children. In addition to the volunteer efforts, local businesses have donated thousands of dollars worth of materials and supplies towards Day of Action projects.

Based on the number of volunteers this year, and the value of volunteering according to The Independent Sector, this one day of volunteering may equal over $136,000 in volunteer hours.

Volunteers plan the Day of Action as well. A committee of dedicated volunteers from local companies works through the year to ensure a successful Day of Action campaign.  The hands-on projects that volunteers have completed for local nonprofit agencies have saved these organizations thousands of dollars, enabling valuable and limited resources to be used for direct services to the organizations’ clients, rather than necessary but costly maintenance projects.

Day of Action Projects Happening in Brookfield:

Belimo and UPS Beautify Inside and Out at Ability Beyond Disability Group Homes

A combined army of almost 50 volunteers from Belimo and UPS will make the clients of two Ability Beyond Disability group homes in Brookfield proud of the places they call home. Project will include interior and exterior painting, gardening and installation of beautiful flower boxes.

Fairfield County Bank and Duracell Lend Some Muscle to the YMCA

Thirty employees from Fairfield County Bank and Duracell will descend upon the to paint locker room floors, classrooms, benches and picnic tables — just in time for summer camp.