UNITED WAY DAY OF CARING ACTIVITIES COMMEMORATE SEPTEMBER 11

On September 11, 2002, the 11th annual United Way Day of Caring will bring together more than 5,000 volunteers across the greater Bridgeport region in a show of community, unity and pride. Volunteers will work together on projects ranging from neighborhood clean ups, painting and landscaping at local agencies and food drives and blood drives. The day will conclude with candlelight vigils in each town in remembrance of the victims of the September 11th attacks.

Below is a partial listing of events, volunteer opportunities and candlelight vigils.

Mobile Mammography

• September 11 and September 16, 2002. In partnership with the Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority and United Way, St. Vincent Wellness Services' Mobile Mammography Unit will offer low cost mammography services at United Way's offices, 75 Washington Avenue, Bridgeport. Preregistration is required. Call St. Vincent Wellness Services at 576-5500 for an appointment.

Food Drives

• September 11, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. In partnership with Federal Express and United Way, The Bridgeport Arena will host a food drive in its outer courtyard. Donations of nonperishable food items can be dropped off at the Arena and will fill the shelves at local food pantries including the Salvation Army. Volunteers are needed to receive, sort and package food. Call 334-5106, ext. 307 or e-mail dayofcaring@thewaytocare.org to volunteer.
• September 11 Students at High Horizons Magnet School, Palisade Avenue, Bridgeport, will conduct a food drive to benefit the Salvation Army food pantry.
• Monroe's rural postal carriers will conduct a food drive on September 11 to benefit the Monroe Food Pantry. Leave donations of nonperishable food items by your mailbox.

Blood Drives (call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE for an appointment)

• The town of Monroe will hold a blood drive sponsored by Rotary, Saturday, September 14 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Roberto's Restaurant, 505 Main Street, Monroe.
• The town of Trumbull will hold a blood drive at the Trumbull Library on Thursday, September 12.

Neighborhood Cleanups

• September 11, 10:00 am to 3:00 PM The Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust and Groundwork Bridgeport are continuing the restoration of the Barnum Firehouse in Went Field Park on Norman Street. Call 334-5106, ext. 307, or e-mail dayofcaring@thewaytocare.org to volunteer.
• Sept. 11, Shore Area CDC is seeking volunteers to help paint the apartments in two transitional housing facilities. Call 334-5106, ext. 307, or e-mail dayofcaring@thewaytocare.org to volunteer.
• September 11, 12:00 am to 4:00 PM The South End Association and the University of Bridgeport are partnering on a Park Avenue "street cleanup" starting at the railroad bridge and working toward the UB campus. Call 334-5106, ext. 307 or e-mail dayofcaring@thewaytocare.org to volunteer.

Candlelight Vigils

• Bridgeport: Candlelight vigil 7:00 p.m. at Russo Park. An Interfaith Service will be held across the street at the United Congregational Church under the direction of the Greater Bridgeport Ministerial Association.
• Fairfield: Concert "Galvanized Jazz Band" 7:00 p.m. on Town Green; Candlelight vigil immediately after - about 8:15 p.m. Fire & Police Department chaplains to open with prayer
  High School soloist - National Anthem
  
• Monroe: Candlelight vigil 7:00 p.m. at Masuk High School upper field. In addition to Police and Fire Department representation, Monroe resident Sue Banay will perform traditional bagpipe music.
  
• Stratford: Candlelight vigil on Town Hall Green 7:00 p.m.
  Everyone who brings food to donate to local food pantry will receive a candle.
• Trumbull: Program to start at High School stadium 7:00 p.m. The Coastal Cordsmen and the Yankee Maid Chorus will perform as will the Trumbull High School Band and Choir.
  Nonperishable food items will be collected.
  

From 50 volunteers at the program's inception in 1992 to a goal of 5,000 participants on this year's Day of Caring, scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 11, United Way Day of Caring has become a well loved and much anticipated annual event.

Beverly Stebbins, Town of Monroe, "We're bringing back the spirit of 'unity' to the word 'community'." "There is no better feeling than helping someone in need," said Rosa J. Correa of Micro Credit Bridgeport, chair of the 2002 Day of Caring Campaign.

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