United Way Expands 814 Day of Action to Increase Community Participation

The United Way of the Bradford Area is expanding its inaugural 814 Day of Action to provide more opportunities for community members to get involved in volunteer service.

While Friday, August 14, will continue to celebrate 814 Day through internal volunteer projects hosted by local businesses, organizations, schools, churches, and civic groups, the larger community volunteer projects will now take place on Saturday, August 15.

The change was made to allow more individuals and families to participate without weekday work commitments preventing them from volunteering.

"We're excited to grow 814 Day into a community-wide weekend of service," said Sarah Lonzi, Executive Director of the United Way of the Bradford Area. "Our goal has always been to bring people together to strengthen our community, and by hosting our community volunteer projects on Saturday, we hope even more people will have the opportunity to get involved."

Community Volunteer Day will begin with registration at 9:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, with volunteer projects taking place throughout the Bradford area from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Volunteers will assist with a variety of projects, including community beautification efforts, cleanup initiatives, nonprofit organization support, landscaping, painting, and other projects designed to improve public spaces and

strengthen local organizations.

Advance registration is required for all volunteers. In order to properly assign volunteers to projects and ensure each location has the necessary supplies and support, registrations must be received by August 7. Day-of volunteer registrations will not be accepted.

The United Way is also continuing to seek additional community service projects for Saturday, August 15, as well as organizations interested in hosting internal volunteer activities on Friday, August 14. Businesses, clubs, churches, and nonprofit organizations that are unable to participate on Saturday are encouraged to organize

their own service projects as part of the 814 Day celebration.

Current examples include the Bradford Senior Center assembling hygiene kits for community members and The

Learning Center hosting a book sale with proceeds benefiting the United Way's Annual

Campaign. Community organizations that have projects needing volunteer assistance, as well as businesses or groups interested in organizing an internal service project, are encouraged to contact the United Way of the Bradford Area.

For additional information about volunteering, hosting a project, or supporting the event, contact the United Way of the Bradford Area at 814-368-6181 or email sarah.lonzi@uwbanews.org.

The United Way of the Bradford Area's 814 Day of Action is designed to celebrate the spirit of the 814 by bringing neighbors together through service, demonstrating the positive impact that can be achieved when a community works together to improve the place it calls home.