The United Way of Garrett County is expecting over 200 volunteers for the 2^nd Annual Garrett County Day of Caring and Sharing on Saturday October 23, 2004.  The local Day of Caring and Sharing will once again correspond to the National Make a Difference Day that is sponsored by USA Weekend™.   The Garrett County event will begin at 8:30 AM with breakfast and opening ceremony at the Mary Browning Senior Center located on Center Street in Oakland.  The breakfast is sponsored by Browning’s Foodland, Perkins Family Restaurant and Oakland Walmart.  Volunteers will meet back at the Mary Browning Senior Center at 12:30 for a box lunch and to celebrate the day’s accomplishments.  Many participating United Way agencies have projects scheduled for the day including the Dove Center, Habitat for Humanity, Mountain Glade Adult Day Services, Maryland Salem Children’s Trust and Garrett County Community Action.  Other United Way agencies will be providing volunteers around the community including Boy Scouts, Big Brothers and Big Sisters and Girl Scouts.  Bob Stephens, a volunteer for United Way and the event Chairman said:  “Right now, it looks like we could have a wonderful problem…too many volunteers.  So, we are lining up extra projects.”   He is encouraging community groups and organizations to contact him if they need volunteers to complete a special project that day. 

United Way of Garrett County Chairperson Jeannette Fitzwater said “We are really looking forward to the event.  Our initial Day of Caring and Sharing exceeded our expectations.  We hope to build on last year’s event and double our number of volunteers.  We also hope to draw in new businesses and individuals.  Last year we had several volunteers who were new to the county.  After participating in the Day of Caring and Sharing they continued to volunteer around the community.  The event serves as the kickoff for the United Way of Garrett County’s annual pledge drive.  The organization has set a goal of raising $100,000 for its affiliates this year.

There is a $5.00 registration fee and all registered volunteers will receive a commemorative Day of Caring and Sharing t-shirt.  Major sponsors for the event include Fitzwater Furniture, Rudy’s Clothing and WISP Mountain Resort.    For more information about the Day of Caring and Sharing or the United Way of Garrett County call 301-359-9697.   More information about National Make a Difference Day can be obtained at www.usaweekend.com/diffday.