MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
United Way of Reno County is inviting residents to nominate neighbors in need and sign up as volunteers for its upcoming Spring Community Work Day, scheduled for Saturday, April 25.
Carla Stanfield, director of marketing and development for United Way of Reno County, said this year’s event will focus specifically on helping individual homeowners with outdoor projects across the county.
“We’re trying something a little bit different this year,” Stanfield said. “We’re asking folks to nominate a friend, a neighbor or even themselves if they have outdoor projects that they could use help on with volunteer labor.”
The organization is accepting nominations through March 22. Projects may include yard cleanup, removing fallen limbs, repairing fencing and exterior painting.
Stanfield said the effort is designed to assist residents who may struggle to complete such work on their own, including older adults, individuals with disabilities and households facing financial challenges.
“We have a lot of folks in our community that maybe have mobility challenges or financial constraints,” Stanfield said. “This is an opportunity for volunteers to come together and make a real difference for their neighbors.”
Community Work Day has been a United Way initiative in Reno County for more than 15 years, connecting volunteers with service opportunities throughout the area.
Historically, the event has involved about 30 project sites and more than 400 volunteers working across the county in a single day. Stanfield said organizers hope to see similar participation this year, though the event will focus solely on residential projects.
Volunteers of all skill levels are encouraged to participate. Most projects require general physical labor such as raking leaves, clearing branches or assisting with basic repairs. United Way provides needed supplies for projects, and volunteers receive event T-shirts.
Participants may volunteer individually or as part of a group, such as coworkers, church groups, civic organizations or families.
The event will take place from 8 a.m. to noon on April 25 and will serve communities throughout Reno County, including Hutchinson and surrounding towns.
Stanfield said the day highlights the spirit of community service that defines Reno County.
“To see hundreds of people show up just to help their neighbors with hands-on work is pretty humbling,” she said. “It’s a reminder of how generous our community really is.”
Residents can submit project nominations or volunteer online by visiting uwrenocounty.org and selecting the Community Work Day event on the calendar. Those who prefer to register by phone may call the United Way office at 620-669-9329.