United Way of Summit County’s annual Day of Action, which took place this year on June 21, brought together 1,525 volunteers – nearly twice the turnout of last year’s event. The participants – who represented 41 local businesses and organizations – took part in 41 service projects throughout Summit County.
The event included two featured projects, “East Akron Action!” – centered on Talbot-Whitney Park in East Akron – and the “Middlebury Blitz.”
The more than 70 volunteers at the Middlebury Blitz – which included participants from GOJO Industries, GPD Group and Safran Electrical and Power– were tasked with helping residents of the Middlebury neighborhood. They knocked on doors, offering to clean yards and mow lawns, and they built a deck for residents to gather on. Just as importantly, they worked to build a connection with residents of the East Akron neighborhood.
A little more than a mile away, more than 70 volunteers from Malco Products, Earthquaker Devices and A. Schulman, Inc., teamed up to revitalize the neighborhood around Talbot-Whitney Park. They restored playground equipment, built a gazebo, spread mulch and more, giving the area a much-needed facelift.
Altogether, the 1,525 volunteers who participated in United Way’s Day of Action contributed more than 10,000 hours of service around Summit County.
“It is incredible to see how much passion and pride there is for this community,” said Jim Mullen, president and CEO of United Way of Summit County. “The response to our volunteer events we have seen over the past year has been awe-inspiring. I could not be more proud of this community.”