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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
United Way of Salt Lake is gearing up for the largest "Day of Caring" in their history. The "Day of Caring" event tomorrow, September 8, provides a chance for all of us to focus on our community needs at hand.
Can you imagine 3,300 volunteers representing 105 of our local companies completing 145 one-day service projects? Day of Caring is not only a big deal, it's an important day. It all starts with a gathering held at the Gateway tomorrow to get the volunteers pumped up for the day of service projects. You have media coverage with TV and radio stations, a band playing and lots of positive energy.
In case you or your company haven't had a chance to sign up - no problem. The onsite project this year is at the Gateway, and it's called "Stuff the Bus." It'll be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The volunteers will be stuffing 5,000 backpacks with school supplies. In fact, buses from Salt Lake and Granite School districts will be there to pick up the backpacks and make the necessary and timely deliveries. The project needs volunteers right now to make it happen.
Under the leadership of President and CEO Deborah Bayle, United Way of Salt Lake has moved in a focused and deliberate manner. Currently, they work with over 40 Community Partners right in the middle of our neighborhoods. The committed team of United Way understands we need to break the cycle and provide support at ground level. Operating within 26 neighborhood centers, United Way of Salt Lake is tracking the immediate impact of this model.
Since implementing this focused effort in one neighborhood alone the gang-related juvenile crime rate has declined 75 percent over the last three years. It also helped an entire class of refugee children learn their numbers, colors and letters. The goal of United Way of Salt Lake is to expand this model by partnering and with the combined efforts will strive for the greater good of our community.
Don't forget Day of Caring at the Gateway tomorrow
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
United Way of Salt Lake 175 S West Temple # 30 Salt Lake City, UT 84101 801-736-7701 www.uw.org
