Steamboat Pilot & Today

It's time to care.

Routt County United Way is holding its annual Day of Caring the morning of Wednesday, May 14.

The event provides an opportunity for people of all ages to show they care, Routt County United Way director Millie Beall said.

Volunteers work on projects that help the elderly, disabled and disadvantaged.

The to-do list is long this year, and many of the projects are still lacking volunteers.

The list includes painting playground structures for a child-care center, a living room ceiling for a senior citizen's home and stairwells at an affordable housing project.

The Yampa River Botanic Park still needs some more hands. The Tread of Pioneers Museum, Steamboat Springs Animal Shelter and the elderly could use some help with spring cleaning.

Beall hopes that businesses, schools, service clubs and churches will work together to recruit volunteers within their organizations and support their employees in taking a paid day off on May 14 to participate.

"This is an excellent opportunity to promote each organization as well as building pride, belonging and stewardship in our community," she said.

A day set aside to focus on building a caring community and the things people can do to make communities a better place to live is timely.

"As Routt County continues to grow, so does the need," Beall said. "It is more important than ever to support our human service agencies through the United Way, and by volunteering, we help to build the caring communities of Routt County."

The KBCR radio station will be on hand with remote live coverage of the event, and volunteers are invited to attend a community luncheon cosponsored by the Ski Town Lions Club at Olympian Hall after the projects are completed.

Anyone who wishes to volunteer should call Routt County United Way at 879-5605.

-- To reach Danie Harrelson call 871-4203

or e-mail dharrelson@steamboatpilot.com