Each June, United Ways around the world encourage community members to take action towards building a stronger community. This year, on June 18, United Way of Wayne County challenges residents to take action to help keep Wayne County Strong.

Traditionally the event features multiple volunteer projects and project sites for volunteers to engage with. Due to the restrictions caused by the pandemic, United Way was faced with restructuring the event. This year, United Way is hosting four remote volunteering or giving opportunities.

“We asked our fellow nonprofits what needs they are seeing in this community and their responses shaped our initial restructuring plans for Day of Action. Then, we heard from a few last week, that food supplies are low. Demand has increased and the drive that is usually held in May has been postponed. In response, we are partnering with the library and Goldsboro Rotary to include a food drive as part of this year’s Day of Action.”, said Rachel Rhodes, Community Investment and Engagement Director at United Way of Wayne County. Volunteers will be collecting nonperishable food items in the auditorium of Wayne County Public Library from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M on June 18th.  To promote social distancing, donors can drive up to the side of the building and drop-off without leaving their cars. A complete wish list can be found at unitedwayne.org.

In addition to the food drive, United Way is collecting reusable face masks and personal hygiene kits to be distributed to several local nonprofits. Personal hygiene kits are gallon sized zip top bags or shoeboxes packed with toiletries and encouraging notes. Face masks and hygiene kits can be dropped off at the United Way office, located at 2803B Cashwell Drive in Goldsboro, between 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM June 18th.

Not all of the Day of Action Projects involve collecting items. The fourth project of the day encourages volunteers to “adopt” a senior “buddy” that they agree to connect with on a weekly basis through the end of the year. “Loneliness is detrimental to our health and because of the pandemic our seniors are more at risk so we wanted to do something to keep them connected to our community and show them that they are valued members”, said Rhodes. United Way is partnering with Meals on Wheels and other agencies who serve seniors for this project. Adult volunteers can pick up an application to be a senior buddy in the United Way office or by emailing [email protected]. Seniors interested in having a buddy can request an application in the office, by email or by calling 919-735-3591.