United Way of Summit County Is Ready to Help Those Seeking To Serve

For those area residents seeking to heed President Barack Obama’s Call to Service, United Way of Summit County’s Volunteer Center is available to help match individuals with volunteer opportunities.

President Obama spent the days leading up to his inauguration calling on all Americans to pitch in. “Don't underestimate the power for people to pull together and to accomplish amazing things," he said as he helped to paint a Washington D.C. shelter for homeless and runaway teens. Given the current economic crisis our country faces, “we can’t allow any idle hands,” he added. “Everybody's got to be involved. Everybody's going to have to pitch in, and I think the American people are ready for that."

Here in Summit County, United Way’s Volunteer Center champions volunteerism and makes opportunities available to volunteers throughout the year — connecting volunteers to improve the quality of life in our community. A list of volunteer opportunities is regularly updated on the website http://www.uwsummit.org/, and individuals can call Volunteer Services Director Pam Beals at 330-643-5512.

Bob Kulinski, President of United Way of Summit County, said, “The people of this community are among the most generous in the nation regarding volunteer hours. No matter what your political affiliation, we can all come together to behind the common goal to improve people’s lives. As Martin Luther King, Jr. said ‘"Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.’”

United Way of Summit County encourages everyone to LIVE UNITED. Each of us has the power to improve lives and advance the common good when we give, advocate and volunteer. For more information on how to give now, on programs and services in our community, or to volunteer, call your United Way of Summit County at (330) 762-7601, visit our website at http://www.uwsummit.org/, or come to our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.