Every June, United Ways around the world encourage community members to take action towards building a stronger community.

Traditionally the event features multiple volunteer projects and project sites for volunteers to engage. For the 2nd year, restrictions caused by the pandemic have led United Way of Wayne County (UWWC) to restructure the event. Last year, the event was focused around various drives so that the community could participate from a distance. This year to avoid bringing crowds together, UWWC is extending the event and challenging residents to take action over a 21-day period. “This event is important to our community. It brings a spirit of volunteerism, a can-do attitude and hope. During a pandemic, we need to hold onto those things so we decided we needed to reimagine Day of Action so that through this event we can help people feel connected to each other and to the community as a whole”, said Sherry Archibald, Executive Director at UWWC.

The community service event will run June 1-21. To participate residents can print a BINGO card from UWWC’s website unitedwayne.org or pick up a card at the United Way office, located at 2803 Cashwell Drive, as well as various locations around the community. Participants then complete at least 5 of the service activities to “win” BINGO. “Winning” cards can be exchanged for a prize at the United Way office.

“We tried to choose a wide range of activities so that we could appeal to everyone from children to senior adults. We want everyone to be able to take action to improve their community”, said Rachel Rhodes, Community Investment and Engagement Director at United Way of Wayne County. Activities range from writing a letter to a senior to helping clean the kitchen at the Salvation Army. Participants are encouraged to use their 3W’s when completing activities to ensure the safety of everyone.