Day of Caring brought out the best amongst the USU Eastern community

This archived article was written by: Ashley Stilson

Many USU Eastern students volunteered to help with various service projects at the annual Price Day of Caring Sept. 8. Over 740 volunteers from throughout Price volunteered to lend a hand. The Day of Caring is a national United Way project set up to demonstrate how a community can benefit from volunteering.
Of the 740 volunteers, about 100 students, faculty and staff from USU Eastern participated. “I’ve noticed that most of us struggle, maybe only slightly at times, to find the time to serve others,” said Terry Johnson, SUN center advisor. “But once you are there helping, even in a small way, it is so worth anything else you may have given up.  I was proud of, and inspired by, all those from USU Eastern who participated!  That’s what a deep, meaningful life is all about: building relationships through serving others.”
Many programs were included with 45 projects completed, totaling almost 3,000 volunteer hours according to Untied Way statistics. “It was a very humbling experience to see how much our community pulls together for the good of all,” said Carole Wright, campaign coordinator for the United Way.
Some of the projects include renovating a new location for the Boys and Girls Club, clearing the grounds at the BMX Park, weeding and harvesting at the People’s Garden and cleaning the Helper Walkway. Twenty-five of the 43 projects were for home-bound individuals according to SUN Center statistics.
Organizers said the turnout was excellent and everyone had a good time.
“I felt so good about it. [People] come watch us play so why not help them?” said Jason Timpf, a member of the USU Eastern men’s basketball team.
“I feel like if we help the community, they’ll support us. It was really fun and we met a lot of people,” Todd Helgesen said.
“Being able to be a part of Day of Caring was fantastic” McKenzie Hosenfeld said. “I loved that I was able to help the community while having fun and making friends.”
Eric Hansen said, “It was a great way to meet the community. Everybody helped and had a great attitude.”
Amy Arbon mentioned, “It’s nice giving back to the community who gives so much to us.”
“It’s always fun to give back,” Tandy Thackeray said.
“It’s so nice to give back to a community that gives so much to us. It gives us a sense of pride,” Bubby Johnson commented.
“I think it went really well,” John Cardon from the LDS Institute said. “It was a really good way to serve. There was a lot of service rendered. It’s hard to give up a Saturday, but it was a very well done project.”
“I really loved working with the kids. I felt like they enjoyed working with me too. They brought out the kid in me too,” Jeff Perkins said.
“As a new college student, it helped me feel more invested in the community,” Brighton Ketts said.
Jordan Contreras said, “It felt great helping the community…it was good to meet new people and have them meet us.”
“It was awesome to help people. I love it,” commented Igor Dais.
The Day of Caring was a perfect example of a community uniting together. Mark your calendars, because the next project is just around the corner. Organizers hope to have even more vounteers a the next Day of Caring.