FORT WALTON BEACH — The United Way of Okaloosa-Walton Counties recently completed its 24th Annual Day of Caring.
An unprecedented 904 volunteers donated hours of service valued at $81,720 toward the completion of community projects.
Starting with a kickoff event in Fort Walton Beach, the United Way coordinators organized teams and projects for five days in Fort Walton Beach, DeFuniak Springs, Niceville, Crestview, Destin and South Walton. Crestview had 157 volunteers for its Day of Caring, an increase of 30 percent more participation than last year!
“It is simply amazing to see the turn-out of people from our local businesses and organizations, along with service members from our various military bases. These benevolent, community-focused folks performed admirably in their various tasks for organizations that, for one reason or another, lacked the resources to perform these jobs in house,” Rick Owen UW president and CEO, said.
Owen thanked the primary United Way sponsors, Publix, Regions Bank, Gulf Power, and Chelco; as well as the dozens of Days of Caring sponsors.
The United Way of Okaloosa-Walton Counties is a 501c(3) non-profit with a mission of rallying donors, advocates, and volunteers around the most important problems in the community, as defined by the community; and working for the health, education, and financial stability of the area's residents.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview participation in United Way Day of Caring increases 30 percent