United Way of Bartholomew County’s annual Day of Service will go on this year, but in a scaled-down fashion because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alicia Monroe, director of the Volunteer Action Center, the event’s organizer, announced the details to area organizations on Monday afternoon.
The event that in recent years has attracted as many as 1,000 volunteers — a total of 1,800 last year alone doing 90 projects — will be limited to 200 maximum volunteers and no more than 10 volunteers in one area per shift, according to Monroe. This is to comply with health guidelines for safe distancing.
Also, all volunteers will be required to have masks, though those working outdoors a good distance away from others will be permitted to remove their mask, according to the guidelines. Gloves may be required for some work.
Outside projects will be encouraged, but not required.
Deadline for volunteer sign-up is Sept. 4.
“We know that the community still has needs, regardless of COVID-19,” Monroe said. “And those needs will now still be met, just on a smaller scale. We’re saying, ‘Let’s at least do what we can to tackle part of the needs.’”
Monroe added that volunteers will be more spread out across Bartholomew County, and not clustered in specific areas as some have been in the past on larger efforts.
The Day of Service began seven years ago. Over that time, about 10,000 volunteers have logged about 40,000 hours of service valued at about $1 million, according to the United Way.
Last year, volunteers replaced a 400-foot boardwalk over a pond at Heflen Park and upgraded exteriors at Columbus Child Care Center and Love Chapel, among other projects.
One other change to the Day of Service this year is that the 2020 Campaign Kickoff Lunch has been canceled. In the past several years, it has been held on the same day as the Day of Caring.
“While we know this is the best decision for all parties involved, we are saddened that we can’t gather with our wonderful partners, donors, and volunteers,” Monroe said.
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To volunteer for United Way of Bartholomew County’s Day of Service: uwbarthco.galaxydigital.com/
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