By LISA CAPOBIANCO
STAFF WRITER
Since 1992, hundreds of volunteers from all walks of life have dedicated their time to helping non-profit agencies throughout West Central Connecticut.
Sponsored by the United Way of West Central Connecticut, Day of Caring gives an opportunity for youth and employees of local corporations to join hands and open their hearts to human service agencies in the community. This day brings hundreds of people together to make a difference in the communities of Bristol, Plainville, Burlington and Plymouth.
For volunteers of the United Way Youth Board, the Day of Caring has become a way for them to reach out to Bristol Community Organization (BCO) for many years.
During the 25th Annual Day of Caring last Friday, the Youth Board helped spruce up the outside of BCO’s facility, such as painting picnic tables and planting outside.
Tristen Wade, a senior at Bristol Eastern High School, who has been a member of the Youth Board for three years now, said volunteering has made an impact on his life.
“Knowing that you’re making such an impact on somebody’s life… makes you a better person,” said Wade, adding that serving on the Youth Board has helped him come out of his shell. “It made me appreciate the better things in life.”
“I like volunteering—it’s a lot of fun,” added Youth Board member Abby Palmieri, who plans to volunteer in college.
Diane Prosser, the director of finance at BCO, said Youth Board volunteers have really made an impact on the organization. In recent years, Youth Board members have helped out BCO’s transportation program and cleaned up the playgrounds for the Head Start program.
A private, nonprofit Community Action Agency, BCO serves the young, the elderly, people with disabilities, low-income individuals and families in the Greater Bristol area.
“It helps us a lot,” said Prosser, adding how BCO has formed a strong relationship with United Way. “It’s nice to see kids some out and donate their time and help the community of Bristol.”
For employees of Cigna, volunteering on Day of Caring serves as an opportunity to give back while cherishing the time they spend together. Volunteers who worked together at the former Cigna office in Bristol get a chance to see each other again on Day of Caring.
Diane Poitras, who did some sprucing up inside Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center, said she loves giving back to the community, and looks forward to Day of Caring every year.
“It’s fun and I get to see old friends,” said Poitras, who has volunteered at Imagine Nation for 16 years. “We all meet once a year, so it’s like a reunion.”
For Cigna employees Beth Hill of Plainville, Tammi Lafrance of Bristol, and Diane Supranovich of Burlington, Day of Caring means making a difference in the community while sharing some laughs together. The volunteers also have enjoyed each other’s company by volunteering for other local organizations, such as Prudence Crandal.
“It’s an opportunity for all of us to join together,” said Hill. “It’s rewarding.”
PHOTOS by TAMMI NAUDUS
