20th Annual Day of Caring a Huge Success!

At 8 a.m. volunteers gathered at the Ben Page Youth Center and enjoyed a breakfast, which was generously donated by Albertson’s. From 9a.m. to 1p.m. volunteers helped local non-profit agencies with “hands-on” work assignments. Twenty-one Pacesetter Organizations that conducted their campaign before Day of Caring reported that to date over $250,000 in pledges had already been collected.

At the kick-off, the Dos Pueblos Drumline marched into the center, followed by the Santa Barbara City College Cheer Squad to rally volunteers and create excitement. After the San Marcos High School Madrigals sang the National Anthem, Congresswoman Lois Caps said a few heartfelt and encouraging words to the volunteers, who proceeded to their assignments in the community. Over 1,600 volunteers participated, including young people from local schools, families, churches, community service groups and workplaces at over 64 sites across the Tri-counties. Some of the largest sites included Bohnett Park, Adams Elementary School, Dos Pueblos High School (Goleta Valley Beautiful) and Alpha Resource Center. Projects varied between landscape work, planting, painting, habitat restoration and office work throughout Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Santa Ynez. The work that was done in just four hours equals to more than $275,000 worth of improvements to the Santa Barbara Community.

“Thanks for all your work coordinating Day of Caring. It makes a world of difference in Santa Barbara and I know it is such a blessing to so many non-profit organizations!” – Jane Highstreet, Media and Special Events at Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse

Our Kick-Off Sponsors for the 20th Annual Day of Caring included ABC-Clio, Cox, Montecito Bank & Trust, and Santa Barbara Bank & Trust.

For more information on Day of Caring or United Way, please visit www.unitedwaysb.org