WARSAW — United Way of Kosciusko County is finding new ways to give back as part of its annual Days of Caring event and the community’s help is needed.

From 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, at Center Lake Pavilion, United Way will host a site for blood donations for the American Red Cross, and as a drop-off point for donated diapers.

“This community is so generous,” said Darren Bickel, United Way of Kosciusko County president. “Each year, they challenge us to find new ways to help others. 2019 offers more ways than ever before to help those in need.”

New this year is the “largest blood drive in Kosciusko County.” The goal is to reach 100 blood donors in a single day. The goal is large, but the need is great.

Appointments for donating blood can be set up online at www.unitedwaykosciusko.org.

“Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion,” said Katherine Mac Auley, American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana executive director. “Every day, blood is needed to respond to emergencies right here in Kosciusko County.”

In 2018, United Way’s BIG Give received more than 12,000 children’s books to share with programs across the community. This year, the project is focusing on raising 25,000 diapers. Every day, local families with young children struggle to make ends meet. A baby goes through six to 10 diapers every day. United Way hopes that this burden can be eased with donated diapers.

New, unopened packages of diapers can be dropped off at the Center Lake Pavilion or can be ordered from United Way’s Amazon wishlist on their website.

“One in three local families struggles to afford diapers,” said Ted Westerhof, United Way Board of Directors chair. “United Way is trying to find real ways to help working families and this project seemed like a great fit.”

All of the diapers will be distributed to nonprofit organizations by the end of the week, he said.

United Way’s Days of Caring will tackle more than 50 local projects from Aug. 19 to 22. Hundreds of volunteers will work with local nonprofits to paint, landscape and clean up their facilities. Older adults will have their yards mowed, raked and trimmed. Volunteers are on target to contribute more than 2,000 hours of service.