by Elizabeth Carlton



Early on a recent Saturday morning, when most people were kicking off their weekend plans, a few people spent the day working with local nonprofits.

Wells Fargo sponsored a Day of Caring on June 2, a designated day when the bank gives employees paid time off to help out at organizations within their communities. This year they sent volunteers to the Lincoln County United Way and the Lincoln County Coalition Against Child Abuse where they helped with small projects that would improve and expand both organizations’ missions.

“We were blessed to be able to do some things in the office that were much needed,” United Way’s interim Chief Professional Officer Kathy Vinzant said.

Lincoln County donated the building, which was built in the 1800s, to United Way for just a dollar a year for three years, but it needed some repairs.

So three United Way board members, two community members, two Wells Fargo employees and Vinzant started a makeover on the historical house-turned-office-space.

“We updated the bathroom facilities, which was needed,” Vinzant said. “We had someone repair the kitchen cupboards that would not shut and were an eyesore to those who used the kitchen. We painted two rooms and were able to get one entire room cleaned out so we can utilize it for another agency or conference area.”

United Way plans to sponsor its own Day of Caring on June 21. Volunteers will continue repairs that will help cut down on bills so more money can be spent on humanitarian projects.

Three Wells Fargo employees, one community volunteer and a building contractor worked at the Lincoln County Coalition Against Child Abuse’s new resource center to build shelves to hold crib mattresses, milk, diapers and other necessities for displaced children.

“They were so much help to us!” coalition Executive Director Sherry Reinhardt said. “Even the tools that they needed they picked up at the tool bank themselves and brought them with them.”

During the June 21 Day of Caring, United Way will also help the coalition prepare the resource center for a grand opening at the end of the month.

“People who are assessing volunteers know how to find your skills and help you use them,” said Reinhardt. “And everyone has useful talents.”

When the work was done and volunteers started heading home, the nonprofit leaders looked over all they’d accomplished with thankful hearts.

“Anytime you do something like this, you walk away feeling like you made a difference,” Vinzant said. “But also so grateful for others who give of their time and talents.”