CHARLESTON, W.Va – The United Way of Central West Virginia’s annual Day of Caring brings thousands of volunteers together for local service projects, and this year’s event holds a special meaning as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.
United Way president Margaret O’Neal beamed with excitement as things kicked off on Wednesday.
“You can see great companies that have been with us for all 20 years; great volunteers that have showed up every year, and it really makes a connection between our community and our nonprofits, and we love that,” she said.
Margaret O’Neal
Komax Business Systems was one of the four companies that received recognition before the projects began for their 20 years of involvement with Day of Caring. Komax vice president of services Andy Maxwell said it’s something that the company jumps at the chance to take part in.
“We work with the United Way in a lot of different ways, and they do just amazing work in our community, so we’re always happy to do a little part in giving back and helping out to be a part of that,” he said.
Day of Caring is an annual tradition for not just companies, but individuals as well. Kelly Brannon keeps coming back each year alongside a team of her coworkers from CASCI and said it gives them an opportunity to spend time together while also giving back.
“We all work from home, so we don’t get to see each other, so this kind of brings us all together so that we can see each other but also help the community as well,” she said.
Work sites ranged from Capitol Market to the Salvation Army and the United Way itself. O’Neal sees the Day of Caring as a chance each year for the community to serve the organizations that do so much to serve it.
“Nonprofits don’t always take the time or the money to do some of the things that need done in their facility or in their building so folks can go in, build shelves, paint, do trail work, fold diapers, do all of the things that some of the folks just don’t have time to do or can’t afford to do,” she said.
With two decades of service in the rearview mirror, the United Way wanted to make sure that the people and groups that have been there along the way were recognized. Awards were handed out as part of the day’s kickoff event to companies, like Komax, and individuals that have committed the last 20 years to aiding the United Way’s mission through Day of Caring.
“There’s just not very many things like this where you can give recognition to people who do something for free. There’s no expectation. They don’t get paid, didn’t expect any awards for it. They just want to go back and give back, and it just makes me so happy,” O’Neal said.
After accepting Komax’s award, Maxwell reflected on how days like Wednesday serve as a reminder of what a community can do when it rallies together.
“There’s so many things that people argue about or a lot of negative energy that can be in the community, and you come out and you see how many people are involved with this and how many people are doing a little part in making this day so impactful to our community, so it’s pretty amazing,” he said.