LOGCOM Day of Caring -- Marines and civilian-Marines from Marine Corps Logistics Command participated in the United Way of Southwest Georgia’s 22nd annual Day of Caring in Albany, Friday.
This was the second year the Marines and employees from LOGCOM have taken part in this event.
Of the more than 350 volunteers from throughout Albany that lent a hand for this year’s event, 220 were from LOGCOM.
The United Way’s Day of Caring is an annual event that matches teams of local volunteers with area non-profit agencies to help with various projects in the community that improves the lives of others.
The day of volunteerism and fun began with a kick-off celebration at the Albany Mall. Opening remarks were given by Tammy Flippo, coordinator, Volunteer Albany.
“We are offering volunteers a hands-on opportunity to give back to their community by helping local organizations complete much-needed projects that they could not undertake ordinarily because of cost and manpower constraints,” said Flippo. “We hope each and every volunteer will see, firsthand, the importance of giving back to our community.”
During the morning rally, Will Davis, co-chair, Volunteer Albany, also unveiled a name change and new logo for Volunteer Albany. Davis announced that Volunteer Albany will now be called the Volunteer Center of Southwest Georgia and the organization’s services will be expanded to include the 11 surrounding counties served by the United Way of Southwest Georgia.
The guest speaker for the event, Marine Corps Logistics Command’s Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Willie J. Williams, addressed the volunteers, preparing them for battle.
“It is early in the morning but that’s okay for Marines. We get up, put on our battle gear and go to war. That’s what you are out here to do this morning. You are going to war in the community to make a difference,” Williams said. “It is great to be stationed in a community that accepts you as part of that community. We don’t look upon ourselves as outsiders, we look upon ourselves as an integral part of Albany and Dougherty County.”
Williams expressed his appreciation for the large volunteer force and the opportunity to make a difference in the Albany community.
“We all have a desire within our hearts to live, love and leave a legacy. Today, you are touching on each one of those. You are touching the lives of individuals, enabling them to have a better quality of life. You are also showing your love by working in the community. By being here today, you are, in fact, building a legacy,” Williams concluded.
Twenty volunteer teams worked on projects at 18 of 28 area nonprofit agencies including The Therapeutic Riding Center, the Parks at Chehaw, Habitat for Humanity and Albany Recreation and Parks Department.
Volunteers at The Therapeutic Riding Center rebuilt fences, cut grass in the riding fields and painted. At the Parks at Chehaw, workers renovated a playground while others at Albany Recreation and Parks Department painted two community centers and a gymnasium.
“Day of Caring is a great way for groups to work on team building skills,” said Dwayne Myles, president and chief executive officer, United Way. “It is also a wonderful opportunity for co-workers to get to know each other outside of their normal surroundings while making a difference in our community and in the lives of their neighbors.”
For Gunnery Sgt. Kevin J. Hewitt, supply administration, Supply Management Center, LOGCOM, this was his first time participating in the Day of Caring.
Hewitt worked at the Habitat for Humanity for the day.
“I was very impressed with the turnout and how organized they were. When we arrived, they had everything laid out and waiting for us to get to work,” Hewitt said.
He plans to participate in the Day of Caring again next year.
“It is always good to give back to the community and be able to help out those who are less fortunate,” he said.
LOGCOM’s Installations Environment and Safety office coordinated the event with United Way.
United Way of Southwest Georgia serves Baker, Calhoun, Crisp, Dooly, Dougherty, Early, Lee, Mitchell, Randolph, Terrell, Wilcox, and Worth Counties.
For more information, visit their website at www.unitedwayswga.org or call (229) 883-6700.