On September 12, nearly 500 volunteers from across the Omaha metro came together for the United Way of the Midlands’ annual Day of Caring. This event connected local volunteers to support area nonprofits with tasks ranging from yard work to packing food boxes.
We were fortunate to welcome six volunteers from Omaha Public Power District (OPPD), who spent their afternoon writing personalized notes of wisdom and inspiration to first-year college students in our program. As an organization dedicated to helping students succeed in college, we rely on community support to empower them along the way. These notes provided students with encouragement as they begin their college journey.
Reflecting on the Day of Caring, Melissa Robinson, senior development director, shares, “This was our first time hosting a Day of Caring volunteer event and it was a total success! From start to finish, everything was on point. United Way walked me through creating a volunteer event on their website and shortly thereafter, OPPD had signed up a group of volunteers. Getting to and through college takes a lot of determination. I’m grateful that United Way of the Midlands created this community-wide Day of Caring and I’m so appreciative of the OPPD volunteers taking the time to let College Possible students know they are not on this journey alone.”
The United Way Day of Caring is a valuable event for nonprofits like ours, showing how a few hours of volunteering can make a lasting difference. As students read their notes, they’ll feel the support of their community behind them.