Ellsworth provides helping hand during Day of Caring

Approximately 480 Ellsworth volunteers were among the more than 1,100 people who attended the United Way Day of Caring kickoff luncheon in Rapid City, S.D., Sept. 4, 2014. Once a year, volunteers from across the Black Hills unite to complete community projects throughout the day, giving back to their communities and helping those less fortunate. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Hada/Released)

Ellsworth provides helping hand during Day of Caring

Renee Parker, United Way of the Black Hills executive director, thanks Airmen and community volunteers during the United Way Day of Caring kickoff luncheon in Rapid City, S.D., Sept. 4, 2014. The Day of Caring was established in 1992 to promote the spirit and value of volunteerism, increase the awareness of local human service agencies and schools and demonstrate what people working together for the community’s good can accomplish. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Hada/Released)

Ellsworth provides helping hand during Day of Caring

Airmen and community volunteers team up to stain picnic tables at the Star of the West Sports Complex in Rapid City, S.D., during the United Way Day of Caring, Sept. 4, 2014. During the event, Airmen and other volunteers actively gave back to their community by completing various projects, including washing windows, cleaning out gutters, mowing lawns, putting up chain-link fences, painting homes and similar activities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Hada/Released)

Ellsworth provides helping hand during Day of Caring

Published Sept. 8, 2014
By Senior Airman Zachary Hada
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Approximately 480 volunteers from Ellsworth joined others from across the community to complete projects as part of the United Way Day of Caring, Sept. 4.

The Day of Caring was established in 1992 to promote the spirit and value of volunteerism, increase awareness of local human service agencies and schools and to demonstrate what people working together can accomplish.

The day began with all volunteers gathering at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid City, S.D., for a special kick-off luncheon. Organizers lauded the volunteers, who then headed out to complete their designated projects.

Tech. Sgt. Thomas Patterson, 372nd Training Squadron, Detachment 8 B-1 bomber hydraulics instructor, was one of the base's volunteers who also served as Ellsworth's coordinator for this year's event.

"Every year the United Way reaches out for volunteers to help support the community, and we're more than happy to lend a helping hand," Patterson said.

Volunteers completed a total of 92 projects throughout the day, with Ellsworth volunteers taking on nearly half of them.

"We are so grateful for all the support we receive," said Renee Parker, United Way of the Black Hills executive director. "What a testament that we live in a community where people come together for the greater good and make our community better."

The Day of Caring also provides nonprofit organizations throughout the Black Hills a time to have volunteers complete projects the agencies otherwise would not be able to accomplish due to a lack of manpower or funding.

"This event is a good way to show the community that the military is also a part of the local community and we are here to give back and help," Patterson said.

For more information about volunteer opportunities available in the Black Hills, call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at (605) 385-4663.