Expanding the United Way Annual DAY OF CARING into WEEKS OF CARING, which ran September 8th - 13th and September 15th - 19th, certainly made an IMPACT in Butler County. Having the flexibility of two weeks to work with instead of just one day allowed more area businesses to release employees for participation, and also gave shiftworkers the opportunity to volunteer during their scheduled time off. Because of this, approximately 340 individuals were able to join together to show how they LIVE UNITED by VOLUNTEERING their time, energy and muscle to complete seven community projects, saving over $31,000 in labor.

Initially, only three projects were scheduled, but due to the overwhelming number of volunteers and geographic location requests, four more projects were added. Projects included:

• refurbishing a swinging bridge over Sullivan Creek and clearing its entrance areas in the West End of Butler.

• the prep & painting of a residential home and an alternative school for residents at Mars Home for Youth.

• revitalizing a church in Chicora used by the Butler County Children's Center.

• cleaning & painting interim apartments in "Safe Harbor" building, future home of Catholic Charities & furniture warehouse for The Lighthouse Foundation.

• installing a "Born Learning" trail in Harrisville Park.

• pressure washing, painting and landscaping at VOICe crisis shelter.

• revitalizing and winterizing Girl Scout Camp Redwing in Renfrew.

Not only were the volunteers a key to the success of this event, others also played a major role. Due to the nature of these projects, numerous supplies were needed. So once again, the community was called upon, and along with EMBARQ, a longtime FRIEND and ADVOCATOR of the United Way and SPONSOR of this year's WEEKS OF CARING, they showed how to LIVE UNITED by GIVING. Supplies, monetary gifts and use of equipment were all donated to ensure the completion of projects.

Our SINCERE THANKS to everyone who demonstrated how to LIVED UNITED by giving time, money or supplies to WEEKS OF CARING!