Volunteering with United Way for Greater Austin is one of the most rewarding ways to do good in ATX. Throughout the year, we coordinate large volunteer days (Fall Day of Caring, Feast of Sharing, MLK Day of Service, Spring Day of Caring, and “Live United Days” are peppered throughout the year), but did you know that we also host smaller scale corporate volunteer days for our community partners? Even if you’re not from Austin!
A few weeks ago, we hosted two different groups of volunteers at Open Door East. The volunteers were visiting Austin from all around the country. These groups wanted to take the opportunity to give back while they were here in Austin, and United Way ATX helped pair them with a community partner in need. One group of volunteers focused on the outside and play areas, and a few days later another group updated several of the classrooms, the kitchen, and the office. Both groups had a great time, and Open Door is pretty happy with the face-lift to their school!
“I chose to volunteer at Open Door Preschool to – number 1, help the kids – but to understand what their needs are, and how we can give ourselves to make their transition and educational future a little easier. You know, we want them in a comfortable, encouraging environment that aids in their learning experience.”
–Kim Stewart | Enerstar Electric Cooperative, Volunteer with United Way ATX
Open Door Preschool received the following support on this project:
- + Over 600 hours of service
- + $14,000 in donated labor costs
- + Updated fences and outdoor play areas
- + A new coat of paint on the courtyard railing and in 8 classrooms/offices
- + New reading tables and bookshelves
- + Over 15 bags of garbage cleared out and a reorganized Resource Room
“We’re helping paint, and clean up some areas for them so the children can have a really nice place to play and learn and have fun. Part of being in the co-op is always giving back to the community, it’s the heart of who we are.”
–Pam Hawk | Consolidated Cooperative, Volunteer with United Way ATX
Giving back with United Way ATX is easy.
“It’s a fabulous cause! Austin as a community has made a tremendous investment in the youngest members of the community to try to lift up the entire community through higher education and quality education for these young folks.”
–Peter Baxter | NRECA, Volunteer with United Way ATX
Whatever your team size, United Way for Greater Austin can create a great day of team building and volunteer service! Want to learn more about our Company Cares Days?
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jordan Gutierrez-Ramirez at Volunteer@uwatx.org.