For two days each fall, community members gather to show local agencies how they "Live United."
Starting Thursday and continuing today, United Way of Central Missouri sent 290 volunteers to several partner agencies for the organization's annual service-oriented Days of Caring campaign.
"Days of Caring serves as a way for the clients we serve to put a face on the community members who support the United Way and its agencies," Pathways Transitional Director Alvin Bexten said. "This gives our residents a chance to see the community in action on more of a personal level."
Since Bexten began his journey with Pathways three years ago, volunteers have helped put landscaping fabric in the picnic area, place garden stones and several other projects regular staff may not have time to maintain, he said.
This year, Jennifer Sieg and Brittany Wilbers of Scholastic were on site pulling weeds and power-washing the fence.
A variety of tasks awaited the volunteers in this year's campaign.
Local United Way Executive Director Ann Bax said Days of Caring is all about helping agencies meet their needs.
"Our agencies often operate on a very tight budget with so many projects that they need to get done, but their first priorities are the people they serve," Bax said. "This day allows those projects to be done, but more importantly, it allows our supporters in the community to see the great work the agencies are doing. It is certainly a win-win for everyone."
Volunteers at Capitol Projects, a nonprofit sheltered workshop for adults with intellectual and physical disabilities, worked side by side with employees packaging the products distributed to many local businesses.
First-time volunteer Danne Kueffer of Jefferson Bank said she has been inspired to continue participating.
Kueffer advised new participants to come with an open mind and heart.
"We love United Way Days of Caring," Capitol Projects Inc. Director Tami Bock said. "It's important to us to have people from the community come in and see where the work gets done. Plus, at busy times like these, helping hands are very important."
Opportunities to volunteer with youth were in high demand, with agencies like Central Missouri Community Action Head Start, Special Learning Center, Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson City and Jefferson City Day Care participating.
Scholastic employee Dustin Hammond said he looks for ways to help Special Learning Center because of all the school did for his son while he attended.
"They did so much for my son, so any way I can give back I will," Hammond said.
Elizabeth Johnson, a teacher at Scribes Daycare at Special Learning Center, said she recognizes the more interaction the children have with others, the better off they are.
"For a lot of our kids, socialization is key. The more faces they see, the more comfortable they become with others," Johnson said. "Even on any average day, having volunteers around gives them more opportunities for one-on-one interactions."
The majority of the agencies offered morning and afternoon volunteer shifts for Days of Caring, so volunteers potentially could have volunteered at more than one location.
This year, Dreams to Reality needed help removing old equipment that could be recycled. Executive Director Lorie Smith said it was a big help.
"A lot of people don't volunteer because they don't know what to do, where to go or how to do it, but this is all set up for you. All you have to do is say yes," Joel Schroer of Missouri Farm Bureau said.