WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — United Way of Wayne County is calling on residents, businesses, and community organizations to roll up their sleeves and make a difference during its annual Day of Action, a countywide service initiative aimed at addressing local needs through volunteerism and community partnerships.
This year’s Day of Action will take place over several days during the week of June 15, with projects continuing into late June. The event brings together volunteers from across Wayne County to complete hands-on service projects that support local families, improve public spaces, and strengthen neighborhoods.
Working alongside nonprofit organizations, schools, faith-based groups, and community partners, volunteers will participate in approximately a dozen projects throughout the county. Planned activities include packing summer lunches for children, assembling educational support kits, building wheelchair ramps, restoring community gardens, delivering meals to seniors, preserving historic headstones, cleaning neighborhood corridors, refreshing school facilities, and helping construct affordable housing for local families.
United Way officials say the annual event demonstrates the power of community collaboration and provides meaningful opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels to give back.
In addition to volunteers, organizers are seeking monetary and in-kind donations to help support project materials, school and summer enrichment supplies, community beautification efforts, and other local needs.
“Every gift of time, talent, or treasure helps create a stronger and more connected Wayne County,” organizers said.
Individuals interested in volunteering can view available projects and register through the United Way of Wayne County’s Day of Action website.
For more information about volunteer opportunities, project sponsorships, or donation needs, contact Pilar Parks at (919) 735-3591 or pilar@unitedwayne.org.
As a full-time volunteer, I believe in finding solutions and lending a hand rather than complaining about problems. During the recent primary, while Jennifer Strickland was running for Commissioner At-Large, I took the initiative to open and staff our local Wayne County GOP office during early voting. Recognizing other areas where my professional skills could be of use, I eagerly jumped in to help. Today, I am having a blast serving as an NC Republican Delegate, a full-time office volunteer for the Wayne County Republican Party, and the Chairman for Precinct 19/20—revitalizing a position that had been vacant for many years. It has been incredibly rewarding to apply my previous professional experience to this work and to work with Jennifer Strickland who resumed her chairmanship after the primary.
My commitment to helping others extends to my personal life as well. Recently, a dear friend underwent knee replacement surgery and spent ten days in a short-staffed rehab facility. When she shared that some of her daily needs weren’t being met, I knew exactly how frustrating that could be from my own past hospital stays. I immediately stepped in to advocate for her care on her behalf and treated her to a much-needed “spa day” to lift her spirits.
God has richly blessed me with gifts and talents, which I dedicate entirely to His glory. His presence is evident throughout my life, and I hold fast to my life verse, Romans 8:28, knowing that He uses all things—not just some—for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Through every trial, tragedy and hardship, He has faithfully shown me how those difficult experiences can be used to bring Him honor.