Day of Caring

Deciding to move to Maine was not a quick and easy process. We struggled with what we wanted out of community and what kind of life we ultimately wanted to live. We had a short list of places that we could move; this list took into account proximity to family/friends, political & cultural climate, cost of living, and employment opportunities. Ultimately, we moved Portland to the top of the list and Bryan found a great job at the United Way. This job has brought with it great community contacts and even a job for me as I wait for my own job to start in August. Through the UW, we have made some great friends and I have really learned about the kind of impact an organization can have on its community.

Yesterday, I took part in the Day of Caring, a day when dozens of businesses “loan” volunteers to non-profit agencies to help get stuff done, stuff that could not otherwise get done due to the high cost of hiring outside help. I went to a local nursery school where I helped mulch, weed, and shovel topsoil. The school had donations of plants and mulch, and needed many hands to plant and spread. I worked with volunteers from 2 local businesses, Hannaford and UNUM, along with a few parent volunteers and a nice group of seniors from Cheverus High School who have a community-service requirement to fulfill before they can graduate. It was an interesting cross-section of people who came together to make sure that the children attending the school had a safe & beautiful playground and garden.

Over 900 volunteers helped at over 55 organizations. That's a lot of caring.