The United Way of West Central Connecticut, serving the communities of Bristol, Burlington, Plainville and Plymouth, celebrated its 20th Annual Day of Caring on Friday, May 20th, 2011.

20 years ago, we had a vision of a better community where neighbors help each other and everyone pitches in when a project needs to be completed. Out of this vision, Day of Caring was born. This annual community-wide volunteer event is a chance for individuals to give, advocate and volunteer. It’s a day to join hands, open your heart and find your voice. It’s an opportunity to show everyone how you Live United.

Once again, this year’s Day of Caring experienced a record turnout! Over 700 volunteers completed 60 projects at 22 local non-profit organizations in our four communities. It was inspiring to witness the generosity and enthusiasm of so many volunteers.

Volunteers who participated in Day of Caring 20 included employees of Bristol Hospital, Cigna Healthcare, First Bristol Federal Credit Union, GE Industrial Solutions, Main Street Community Foundation, New England Bank, Pines at Bristol, Plymouth Rock Assurance, Thomaston Savings Bank and Webster Bank.

The following individuals also participated during the event: Lisa Aiudi, Jeanine Audette, Sue Bernier, Kelly Brasile, Larry Covino, Kimberly Doolittle, Mackenize Eckstrom, Patti Elliott, Lori Folino, Kim Hazelton, Brian Jud, Jan King, Donna Koser, Josh Krampitz, Wendy Labadia, Jonathan Lewis, Keri Mynarski, Kristie Oren, Tatum Sherwood, Bill Stortz, Mayor Art Ward.

Youth participated through the Bristol Sports Hall of Fame, Bristol Central Future Business Leaders of America Club, the United Way Kids in the Middle, and the United Way Youth Board with students from Bristol Eastern HS, Bristol Central HS, Lewis Mills HS, Plainville HS, St. Paul Catholic HS, and Terryville HS. In addition to all of these groups, students from many of Bristol’s schools cleaned up the areas around their schools and the Board of Education, planted flowers, and spread mulch. Thank you to all of our hard-working and dedicated volunteers!

Furthermore, special thanks for the financial support of Day of Caring 20 from the following sponsors: Accu Grind Cutter Service, Asbury United Methodist Church, Attorney Christopher Storm, Barnes Group Inc., Beacon Prescriptions, Bristol Community Organization, Bristol Hospital, Bristol Housing Authority, Bristol Preschool & Child Care Center, Bristol Sports Hall of Fame, Bristol-Burlington Health District, Cherokee Irrigation, CL&P and Yankee Gas - Northeast Utilities Companies, Community Mental Health Affiliates, Crystal Rock Water Company, Dr. Victoria Biondi & Briar Rosa, Dunkin Donuts, Emily's Catering Group, ESPN, Farmington Bank, First Bristol Federal Credit Union, Fontaine Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning, Forestville Village Association, Fradette, Carlson & Sorey, Garrett Printing, GE Industrial Solutions, Gene Prentiss & Company, Globe Travel, Greer's Chicken, Hamzy Law Firm, HB Group, Jainchill & Beckert, Lake Compounce, Main Street Community Foundation, Mark Facey & Company, Mazzarella Media, New England Bank, Nuchies Restaurant, Paradis Electric, Plainville Rotary Club, Plymouth Local Prevention Council, R & R Corrugated, R. Laviero Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Regional School District #10, Renaissance Downtowns, Ricci & Company, Riverside Investments, Roland Dumont Agency, Rotary Club of Terryville, The Song-Rhee Family, Thomaston Savings Bank, Tomasso Group, Tracy-Driscoll Insurance, Triad Healthcare, Ultimate Companies, Webster Bank, Wheeler Regional Family YMCA, Young Professionals for United Way, and Ziogas Medical Supplies.

Special thanks to Dave Pasqualicchio for organizing our litter clean-up efforts and donating bags and gloves. Also, thanks to Mike Patterson at Patterson Enterprises for donating a dumpster to United Way.

Many thanks again to the planning committee and all of our volunteers and sponsors who made this day a great success for all involved!