Together We Can: Day of Caring Stories of Volunteering and Impact

The Valley Today

In this episode, host Janet Michael speaks with Andy Gail, the new CEO of United Way Northern Shenandoah Valley, about the recent Day of Caring event. The conversation covers their day together on Friday, visiting various projects and witnessing the impact of the volunteers. Andy shares that over 900 volunteers participated in 84 projects across six localities, contributing significantly to the community.

Janet and Andy discuss the impressive involvement of local businesses, such as First Bank (the title sponsor,) Marlow Automotive Group, and Navy Federal Credit Union, whose employees were paid to volunteer. They also highlight the personal and team-building benefits for the volunteers and the crucial assistance provided to local nonprofits by the Day of Caring.

Janet then explains the structure of the rest of the show, which includes interviews with various people they met during the Day of Caring. They talked to Freda Roberson from Fremont Street Nursery, who appreciated the help with landscaping, painting, and dental exams for children provided by volunteers. Ben Tolley from Tolley Dental describes his team's contributions to these efforts.

The episode continues with interviews of employees from Marlow Automotive Group, City of Winchester, and various nonprofits, including CCAP Winchester, Evans Home for Children, and AIDS Response Effort. These conversations illustrate how much work was accomplished in a single day and the positive experiences of the volunteers.

Throughout the episode, there's a recurring theme of community spirit and mutual support. Janet and Andy emphasize how together, the community achieved significant improvements and fostered stronger connections among its members. Andy notes the importance of ongoing support and how listeners can still contribute, whether through volunteering or donations.

The podcast wraps up with a heartfelt thank you to all the sponsors, organizers, and volunteers who made the Day of Caring a success. Janet shares her contact information for those interested in getting involved with United Way.