Volunteers of the United Way, helped Logan County and the city of Russellville out with a few projects Wednesday, July 27, as part of their United Way of Southern Kentucky’s third annual Day of Caring.

On this day, 931 volunteers representing 79 companies across Allen, Barren, Logan, Simpson, and Warren Counties joined local non-profit organizations to complete a total of 114 projects. The number of volunteers and projects completed increased significantly from the 2010 Day of Caring when 471 volunteers completed 62 projects.

In Logan County 11 projects were completed by 68 volunteers representing 11 companies (an increase of 8 projects, 37 volunteers, and 2 companies over 2010). Some of the projects included:

Painting at the Russellville Recreation Center- BB&T - Russellville

Playground mulching at Logan Memorial Park- Holland CPAs, Logan County Chamber of Commerce, Auburn Banking, and U.S. Bank

Painting at the Park at Logan Memorial Park- Ventra Plastics

Book Drive for Graduation for Adults for Logan County Adult Education- Holland CPAs and the Logan County Chamber of Commerce

Book Drive for Graduation for Adults for Logan County Adult Education- LEAD and First Southern National Bank

Book Drive for Children for Logan County Adult Education- Chandler Elementary/Middle School Teachers and Staff

Toilet Paper Drive for Logan County Good Samaritan- Logan Memorial Hospital

Stain Shelter/ Picnic Area at Lifeskills- BB&T – Russellville

Bathroom update and painting project for Community Action Head Start- Jesus Community Center

“They really came out and helped make things look great,” said Russellville Parks supervisor Kenny Gregory. “There were a lot of volunteers who took time out of their schedules to make a change,” Gregory added.

Lisa Browning, director of the Chamber of Commerce said this is the second year the chamber has had a team and were very fortunate to have a lot of businesses members who were willing to send people out to be on our team. “It is very important for people in a community to come out and help others and take pride in where they live,” said Browning.

“I really think what they did spruced up the square and the park,” said Russellville Mayor Mark Stratton.

This year’s Day of Caring offered a unique opportunity for non-profit organizations to market their services to the community, establish relationships with local businesses, and strengthen the volunteers' awareness of each organization’s mission. The Day of Caring also provided a way for businesses and organizations to build camaraderie and goodwill among employees while helping the community. Seventy-nine companies made a commitment to offer its employees the opportunity to "step away from their desks" to provide hands-on, volunteer labor for the variety of projects, representing a 25 company increase from the 2010 Day of Caring. Projects were accomplished in full and half day increments.

United Way of Southern Kentucky (UWSK) is a local, independent, non-profit organization that works to identify and address the issues that matter most, change conditions and improve lives in our community. United Way is focused on critical issues including poverty, literacy, personal abuse, substance abuse, youth development, senior services, and physical and developmental disabilities. Incorporated as a charitable non-profit entity in 1956, UWSK has long served a major role in the community by bringing people together to create opportunities that make a measurable difference in the quality of life for people where they live and work. The mission of United Way of Southern Kentucky is to be the leader in bringing together the resources to build a stronger, more caring community.