Special day for a caring community

As chair for Trident United Way’s Day of Caring 2012, I want to thank all who participated in this “holiday” and encourage those who did not to do so in the future.

I call it a holiday not only because your calendar should be marked every year to remind you to participate in this amazing event, but because it is a celebration of our community coming together to support the agencies and schools that add so much value to our area. Without them, we would not be able to provide the care, education and services to support our growing communities.

This year’s Day of Caring brought together more than 8,000 people to celebrate and give back. This day of service provides to non-profit organizations and schools across our three counties the opportunity to build awareness of their mission, accomplish important projects and strengthen community partnerships.

Through various local businesses, civic groups, faith communities and families, more than 58,000 people have volunteered as part of the Trident United Way Day of Caring over the years, and their efforts have been worth over $11 million to very appreciative Lowcountry non-profits and schools.

Even though our community’s Day of Caring is the largest per capita in the world, I want to encourage everyone to make this more than just one day. Communities like ours need our support to continue moving forward.

I ask that you take it beyond one day and consider it to be day one with 364 more to go. There are so many ways to get involved and stay engaged throughout the year. Trident United Way’s Corporate Volunteer Council allows for many opportunities for everyone to participate.

Getting involved in the community is a personal commitment and one that we should all make in order to pay forward the good in all our lives and make a difference to those that may just need a little added support.

Our goal as a community should be to be known as the top volunteer spot in the country. Here at Hagemeyer North America we realize that Living United is a way of life. If you keep your eyes and ears open, you can find ways to serve every day.

Because of our involvement with Trident United Way, our Hagemeyer family is filled with a sense of accomplishment, lasting friendships and commitment to keep the volunteer momentum strong. It was a good holiday for us.

It has certainly been a pleasure serving as the Day of Caring’s No. 1 advocate and cheerleader this year. Thank you to the staff of TUW and thanks again Lowcountry volunteers, agencies and schools for your commitment to make our community a better place for all of us.

Lisa Mitchell

President, Hagemeyer North America

Tobias Gadson Boulevard

Charleston