United Way Holds 30th Annual Day of Caring
900+ Volunteers Unite to Enhance our Community for 30th Annual Day of Caring
More than 900 volunteers helped kick off United Way of the Capital Region’s 2022 campaign on September 9 by participating in the 30th annual Day of Caring sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield.
“United Way remains a priority and signature program for us at Highmark Blue Shield. Whether it is supplying basic needs to families in the region or helping preschoolers get ready for kindergarten, I continue to be amazed at the variety of programs and how truly effective they are,” said Joe Haddock, Eastern Pa. market president for Highmark Blue Shield. “We are always excited how many local Highmark employees participate in the Day of Caring and also want to congratulate and thank United Way for their outstanding leadership.”
United Way announced its 2022 campaign goal of $8,810,000 at a kickoff event that morning sponsored by Penn State Health and Wegmans.
“United Way’s work has never been more relevant to serve the diverse needs of our community,” said Timothy B. Fatzinger, United Way of the Capital Region president and CEO. “We empower independence to help people move forward through our access to health care, basic needs, school readiness and workforce development programs.”
United Way recently expanded its work around basic needs to better tackle the most pressing issues from the pandemic. The organization now supports services providing childcare, information and referral services and language support in addition to food, housing, and utilities.
Leading the fundraising efforts are Campaign Chair Anthony Worrall, president of Reynolds Restoration Services and Campaign Vice Chair Brian Jackson, chair of McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC.
“We have two outstanding leaders working together for United Way,” added Fatzinger. “Anthony and Brian are passionate about improving life in our community and believe United Way can help make that happen.”
“I have been part of United Way’s work as a donor and volunteer for nearly two decades because I believe in its mission,” said Worrall. “At no other point have I been prouder of United Way’s work to improve our community. I ask business leaders and community members to help support the campaign this year.”
As part of the event, United Way also held its “Stuff the Bus” project to collect health and school supplies for children in its Ready for School, Ready to Succeed community initiative, which helps prepare children for kindergarten.