Each summer, for a single day, dozens of volunteers scatter throughout Columbus to give back to the community.
From refurbishing historic pieces of architecture to tidying up community gardens, the groups assist those that need it.
Despite challenges presented by COVID-19 pandemic, the annual United Way of Bartholomew County’s Day of Service was held Sept. 11. Day of Service, which has been held for seven straight years, is meant to emphasize the individual programs and services provided by the local United Way.
A total of 172 volunteers — from 12 different companies — donated their time and skills, with 19 volunteer sites set up in the Columbus area.
While public health concerns played an impact in which projects were chosen, the volunteers were still able to accomplish a lot.
At one of the sites, a group of medical professionals even teamed up.
Six residents from Columbus Regional Hospital’s Surgical Services unit arrived Friday morning at the historic McEwen-Samuels-Marr House to work on a century-old fence.
At another location, volunteers power-washed Love Chapel buildings.
But it wasn’t just the United Way groups that gave back last week.
Around 100 St. Bartholomew Catholic School students helped with a cleanup of North Christian Church Thursday, assisting their neighbors by tackling numerous outdoor projects.
Those individuals and groups that were able to volunteer last week should be commended for their selflessness.
People from all different creeds came together to help each other, which is a perfect example of the “The Columbus Way.”
While the pandemic has created many challenges, it’s encouraging to know that some things haven’t changed.
