Aroostook Day of Service is this Friday

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AROOSTOOK COUNTY, Maine — The Aroostook Day of Service, sponsored by Katahdin Trust and coordinated by the United Way of Aroostook, will take place Friday, Aug. 28.

The day is an invitation for people and organizations to live united and take action to address a variety of challenges.  It is a day the United Way of Aroostook asks for help from others, to put their mission into action by volunteering to improve communities.  Volunteers will spend the day enhancing communities with local nonprofits or organizations from Fort Kent to Houlton.  

Like so many events this year, the Aroostook Day of Service will prioritize keeping participants safe and healthy. 

“We recognize people have stayed home, physically distanced and juggled multiple roles and challenges, said United Way Executive Director Sarah Ennis. “While the Aroostook Day of Service may look and feel different, you and so many others still have the chance to contribute and make a difference.” 

All the projects will be outside, allowing for social distancing and a safe environment. There will also be virtual options as well, such as making craft kits for children at the homeless shelter, writing notes of positivity and support to homebound seniors for Meals on Wheels, donating surplus food for Catholic Charities or making masks for United Way’s children’s mask project.  

“Many of us feel cooped up and anxious right now, wishing we could do something to improve the circumstances of our community.  This is that chance to get out and make a positive impact.  We need help now more than ever,” added Ennis.  

The vision is to have people of all ages once again around Aroostook County on Aug. 28, doing volunteer works of service to make a positive impact on their communities, she said.

The benefits of volunteering are not just for the recipient of the service, but also for the individual helping.  Research suggests many social, emotional, and physical benefits to volunteering including a feeling of well-being, increased socialization, and improved mental health.  

Anyone who would like to be part of the volunteer team should contact Ennis at 764-5197 or sarah@unitedwayaroostook.org.