OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Dozens of volunteers were making a difference in Oshkosh Wednesday. It’s part of the Oshkosh Area United Way’s 24th annual Day of Caring event.
It’s one of the largest organized volunteer events in the area.
In the midst of Nathan Kastein’s busy schedule, he still found a way to volunteer.
“Right now we’re replacing the border on the playground system. We need more people in the community to come out and volunteer.”
Kastein helped rebuild a playground at the Boys and Girls Club in Oshkosh.
Inside the facility, others were deep cleaning and bagging personal care items.
The Boys and Girls Club was only one of the 22 volunteer sites.
Other sites included: American Red Cross, Celebration of Lights, Growing Oshkosh, and Oshkosh Seniors Center.
“There will be about 600 volunteer hours that’s going to be done just this morning,” explained President and CEO of Oshkosh Area United Way, Mary Ann Dilling.
Dilling tells FOX 11 the event will have an economic impact of about $15,000.
Organizers said there were more than 170 volunteers Wednesday. That’s up 30 percent from last year.
Dilling says volunteers during the “Day of Caring” event also helped in areas that didn’t require physical labor.
“We have skilled-based volunteer also. So, if you’re the head of HR and you have that skill, they’re going to the agency and maybe reviewing job description or maybe they’re looking at the handbook for employees.”
She said about 46 percent of people’s basic needs in the community aren’t being met.
“For me, it’s a shocking number, so we have a huge opportunity to make a difference.”
