Planning is underway for the annual Day of Caring sponsored by United Way of Kosciusko County. This year, more than 80 projects will be completed by over 1,000 volunteers from area companies and the community in general.

Supporting those volunteers will be area churches serving lunches and a host of local businesses who have provided supplies at discounted rates.

Applications submitted by Kosciusko County residents in need of assistance are currently being reviewed by United Way staff members and homes are being inspected by trained volunteers consisting of community members, contractors, excavators, roofers, plumbers and electricians. Projects requiring architectural plans to be completed prior to construction, such as wheelchair accessible ramps, are being drafted by architects volunteering their time and talents.

Tim Klowetter of DePuy Synthes is assisting United Way staff with training volunteer inspectors, as well as helping to coordinate the inspections. Erin Smith, Community Impact coordinator with United Way stated, “Tim’s knowledge and expertise has been invaluable. Each year, he has gone above and beyond to assist us in making the Day of Caring a success.”

Smith also stated the members of the Day of Caring Committee have been instrumental in carrying out the various tasks associated with this large project. Planning began after the Day of Caring event in 2012, however, committee members have been working more diligently since February of this year.

Members of this year’s planning committee are: Rachel Wallace of Kosciusko Community Senior Services, Christon Clark of Habitat for Humanity, Valerie Crumbley and Kearstin Criswell of Grace College & Seminary and Tim Klowetter of DePuy Synthes.

This year’s Day of Caring will be held Wednesday, Aug. 14. For more information about this event, contact the United Way Office at 574-269-2592 or visit unitedwaykosciusko.org.