MORE THAN 5,000 UNITED WAY DAY OF CARING PARTICIPANTS EXPECTED

(August 26, 2002) Bridgeport, Conn. On Sept. 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 support, unity and pride. Volunteers will work together on projects ranging from neighborhood cleanups, painting and landscaping at local agencies, food drives and blood drives. The day will conclude with candlelight vigils in each town in remembrance of the victims of the Sept. 11th attacks. "This event has grown exponentially," said Merle Berke-Schlessel, United Way president and CPO. "We are astounded by people's caring and generosity. It is the very definition of community mobilization."

From 50 volunteers at the program's inception in 1992 to 5,000+ participants this year, United Way Day of Caring has become a well loved and much anticipated annual event. United Way of Eastern Fairfield County is in the business of helping to solve community problems works to make a real difference in the communities it serves - Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford and Trumbull.

According to volunteer Day of Caring Chair Rosa J. Correa, MicroCredit Bridgeport, the decision to expand the 2002 Day of Caring is a direct result of community feedback following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. "We had considered canceling last year's Day of Caring following the attacks", said Correa, "but decided to go forward based on our first hand experience with the healing power of helping others. People started calling us the next day asking, 'what can I do to help?' Day of Caring provided an outlet for helping each other and working through our grief." Correa also noted the Day's efforts have extended to helping local municipalities coordinate candle light vigils to commemorate the victims of September 11. Beverly Stebbins, a Day of Caring coordinator for the Town of Monroe, agreed, "We're bringing back the spirit of 'unity' to the word 'community'."

Below is a partial listing of events, volunteer opportunities and candlelight vigils. Updated information and volunteer opportunities are posted daily on our website, www.thewaytocare.org

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

Neighborhood Cleanups
The South End Association and the University of Bridgeport are partnering on a Park Avenue "Great Street Sweep" starting at the railroad overpass and working towards the UB campus. Sept. 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 334-5106, ext. 307, or e-mail dayofcaring@thewaytocare.org to volunteer.

The Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust and Groundworks Bridgeport are continuing the restoration of the Barnum Firehouse in Went Field Park on Norman Street Sept. 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 334-5106, ext. 307, or e-mail dayofcaring@thewaytocare.org to volunteer.

The Shore Area Community Development Corporation is seeking volunteers on September 11 to help paint the apartments in two transitional housing facilities. To volunteer call 334-5106, ext. 307, or e-mail dayofcaring@thewaytocare.org.

Food Drives
The Arena at Harbor Yard, in partnership with Federal Express and United Way, will host a food drive in its outer courtyard Sept. 11, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Easy on/off access to I 95 makes this simple stop a great way to participate in Day of Caring in just a few short minutes. Donations of nonperishable food items can be dropped off in front of the Arena and will fill the shelves at local food pantries including the Salvation Army. Volunteers are needed to receive, sort and package food. To volunteer call 334-5106, ext. 307, or e-mail dayofcaring@thewaytocare.org.

Students at High Horizons Magnet School, Palisade Avenue, Bridgeport, will conduct a Day of Caring food drive to benefit the Salvation Army food pantry from September 11 through 17. Bridgeport manufacturer Modern Plastics will assist with transportation. Students will continue to conduct quarterly food drives to benefit area food pantries as part of their "Character Counts" programming.

Monroe's rural postal carriers will collect nonperishable food items during their mail deliveries on September 11 to benefit the Monroe Food Pantry. Residents should leave donations by their mailboxes.

Rosedale of Trumbull is conducting a food drive to benefit the Center for Women and Families at their facility on 2750 Reservoir Avenue in Trumbull between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm on September 11.

Blood Drives
To register for any of the following blood drives, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE

Monroe: Blood drive sponsored by Monroe Rotary, Saturday, Sept. 14, 8 a.m. to noon, Roberto's Restaurant, 505 Main Street, Monroe

Trumbull: Blood drive at Trumbull Library, Thursday, Sept. 12. Details to follow.

Candlelight vigils
A continually updated schedule of candlelight vigils is posted on www.thewaytocare.org

Bridgeport: Candlelight vigil 7 p.m. in Russo Park
Area church bells will toll at 6:55 p.m., program begins with a welcome from Mayor Joseph Ganim. Local youth will perform "Star Spangled Banner"; Fire Lt. Ina Anderson will perform "God Bless America". Short ceremony will include local leaders. A lone bagpipe will perform "Amazing Grace" during the lighting of the candles. Ceremony will conclude with a candlelight march to the Congregational Church (State Street and Park Avenue) for an interdenominational service.

Trumbull: Program to start at Trumbull High School stadium 7 p.m. The Coastal Cordsmen and the Yankee Maid Chorus will perform as will the Trumbull High School Band and Choir.

Fairfield: Concert "Galvanized Jazz Band" 7 p.m. on Town Green
Candlelight vigil immediately after - about 8:15 p.m.
Fire & Police Dept chaplains to open with prayer
High School soloist will perform the National Anthem

Monroe: Candlelight vigil 7 p.m. at Masuk High School upper field, Route 111, Monroe In addition to Police and Fire Department representation, Monroe resident Sue Banay will perform traditional bagpipe music. Volunteers are needed to set up for the vigil on September 11. Call 334-5106, ext. 307, or e-mail dayofcaring@thewaytocare.org to volunteer.

Stratford: Candlelight vigil on the Town Hall Green at 7 p.m.
Everyone who brings a nonperishable food item to a local food pantry will receive a candle.