The Ally: Apr 2021 – Member Spotlight: United Way of West Central MS

Michele Connelly
Executive Director
United Way of West Central MS

Volunteerism, by definition, is the policy or practice of volunteering one’s time or talents for charitable, educational, or other worthwhile activities, especially in one’s community. United Way of West Central Mississippi relies on its volunteers for one of its most significant events, “Day of Caring.” Day of Caring brings together energetic volunteers for a single-day service event to help non-profit organizations across their service area. 

Day of Caring has evolved over the past two years due to COVID restrictions, but the purpose remains; the community comes together to help.

The challenges brought about by 2020 took Day of Caring from a celebratory gathering of volunteers who work on projects on-site to a scaled-back version of the event. In the new format, volunteers could take the projects to their own space, an area where they felt safe. 

Projects consisted of placing labels in books, writing thank you letters to first responders, and folding brochures.  Those were just a few of the tasks that were created so that we could still celebrate the act of volunteering and giving back. 

The one thing the activities had in common was that they could be completed in safety, away from other volunteers. We had to meet our volunteers where they were .

This year there are glimpses of how Day of Caring used to be, there are projects that will be completed on-site, at the non-profits, with other volunteers, but there are also projects that can be completed in the safety of the volunteer’s home.  A hybrid Day of Caring has evolved to meet our volunteers’ needs and maintain this significant event.

The act of volunteering did not diminish during the past two years. Those that wanted to volunteer and give back to their communities did so, just in a different manner.  The United Way of West Central Mississippi was there and will continue to bring people together to give back to their community.

To see the entire newsletter Click Here

Related Articles

Ellen Collins

A message from your executive director…

September 22, 2023

I’ve always loved the month of September.   Not only because it’s the month I was born, but also because of the profound changes it brings.  From hot, humid days to cooler mornings and nights; the leaves start to lose their lushness, and the afternoon sun dims.  Sometimes, change can be hard. Yet sometimes, change can […]

Leadership Conference | Sparking Hope in the Sector

September 22, 2023

It’s getting closer and closer!  Have you reserved your spot? This dynamic, inspiring and sure-to-be transformative conference is aimed at igniting hope and fostering resilience within the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors.  Designed for leaders, board members, and changemakers passionate about driving positive change and making a lasting impact in their communities.  Don’t miss this optimal […]

Member Spotlight | Growing Up Knowing

September 22, 2023

Growing Up Knowing’s Facilitators are Its Mission-in-Action The real-life heroes of Growing Up Knowing are the facilitators who implement our three signature programs after school, often during the evening and/or weekends.  They are experts in their own fields of education, psychology, social work, mental health, and medicine.  They take difficult and often uncomfortable topics and […]

The Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy

Stay informed
and stay ahead

With news & alerts.

Sign up now.