WILTON, Iowa–When United Way of Wilton merged with United Way of Muscatine in October 2022, United Way of Muscatine’s staff saw it as an opportunity to bring more services to Wilton. They especially wanted to add a new Day of Caring. “We knew there was an interest from local businesses in Wilton and Wilton High School to get involved and give back to the community, so we worked with community members, the city, and other residents to set up projects and bring Day of Caring to Wilton,” explained United Way of Muscatine Community Engagement Manager Hilary Henke. Thanks to strong community interest and careful planning by United Way of Muscatine, the first Wilton Day of Caring took place May 9.
For its first year, 52 volunteers participated in the Wilton Day of Caring. Between them, they completed 12 projects, including helping an older adult by removing downed tree limbs and dead bushes; cleaning up local cemeteries; doing outdoor work such as clearing gutters, painting fences, and completing yard work; removing old washers and dryers; and doing cleaning at a preschool, among other projects. Each job positively impacted the community, allowing volunteers to meet needs that might otherwise not get addressed.
After seeing the success of other Days of Caring held throughout Muscatine County, Henke felt excited to start the Wilton Day of Caring this year. She feels it filled a need in the community and will continue to provide valuable assistance to people and organizations in Wilton going forward. “I am thrilled that we were able to expand into Wilton,” she said: “We’ve done Falcon Day of Caring in Fruitland, Letts, and Grandview for a number of years, and that’s been very successful. Hosting Days of Caring outside the City of Muscatine helps us engage different groups of volunteers to help non-profits and residents in their communities.”
52 volunteers helped with 12 projects on the First Wilton Day of Caring. Photo courtesy United Way of Muscatine.
At this time, United Way of Muscatine does not have plans to start additional Days of Caring in other cities in Muscatine County. However, Henke always encourages people to contact United Way of Muscatine to share their needs so that they can determine if another community has the projects and volunteers needed to put on an effective Day of Caring.
Over the years, United Way of Muscatine’s Day of Caring program has expanded substantially. This spring, they have already held the Falcon and Muskie Days of Caring for students at Louisa-Muscatine Junior-Senior High School and Muscatine High School, respectively, along with the Wilton Day of Caring. This summer, they will host the second Intern Day of Caring, allowing the many young people who come to Muscatine for summer internships to explore local volunteering opportunities. Their original Muscatine Day of Caring will take place in September, uniting businesses from across the city to take care of projects large and small.
For the upcoming Days of Caring to succeed, United Way of Muscatine needs projects from non-profit organizations and older adults for volunteers to take care of. Anyone who has a project that could work for a Day of Caring should contact Henke by emailing her or calling her at 563-263-5963
