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Annual Week of Caring set for October 17-24

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One day just isn't enough.

For the twelfth year, Rutherford County's Week of Caring will be held Oct. 17-24, with projects ranging from raking leaves and cleaning gutters to cleaning ceiling fans and constructing handicap ramps. The week leads up to the National Make A Difference Day.

"It started out with projects for agencies," explained Nell Bovender, executive director of Rutherford Housing Partnership and coordinator for Week of Caring. "It has now grown to include projects for senior adults as well. Week of Caring provides a means of matching volunteers to projects for organizations or seniors who can't do the work on their own."

Bovender hopes to engage 500 volunteers this year, which would make the most for a Week of Caring. Those who participate will get a T-shirt, along with the satisfaction of having helped others.

"Most communities do projects just one day, typically around Make A Difference Day," Bovender explained. "I don't know another community who does a week like we do."

The needs in the community are great, she continued. Rutherford Housing Partnership usually has 100 projects on its list.

"Just when we get it whittled down, it very quickly gets back to 100," she said.

At least one house will be roofed during the week, but don't think that you have to be handy with a hammer and nails or have carpentry skills to take part.

"We can match you up with a project that matches your skill set," said Amanda Hill, RHP program director. Volunteering can be something as simple as cleaning a ceiling fan for a senior adult, for whom it would be unsafe to be on a ladder.

To volunteer, individuals or groups are asked to adopt a project and contact the agency or senior citizen to develop a time for completing the work. Can't do it during Week of Caring? No problem, Bovender said.

"We want you to do the project when it is convenient for you," she said.

Tackling a project as a group is much easier than going at it alone, Bovender added. Students at Rutherford Early College High School will be spreading mulch while others will focus on other projects.

Bovender would like to have retired plumbers and electricians volunteer for those projects that do require more skill.

No matter who you are or your skill level, she said, your efforts will be appreciated.

"It really takes all of us working together to meet the greater need," she said.

For more information on Week of Caring or to take part in the event, call 828-248-3431.

Make a Difference Day

A USA Today initiative, Make A Difference Day is the nation's largest day of volunteering. In collaboration with Points of Light and Newman's Own, Make A Difference Day rallies millions in a single day to help change the nation. It is held the fourth Saturday in October each year.

Projects submitted for award consideration have a chance to receive a $10,000 donation from Newman's Own and are featured in a special article series in spring in USA Today.

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