The United Way is bringing City College and Westmont College students together on Saturday September 25th for the 19th annual “Day of Caring” as they paint, clean, and garden throughout Santa Barbara County.

This is a community-focused project, and volunteers will work at over 60 local charitable organizations at their largest single-day volunteer event.

Students will assist in a variety of projects such as beautifying facilities, organizing merchandise, and finishing office work.

Atty Garfinkel, Student President at City College, says students who don’t participate in community projects would benefit by getting involved in their community.

“This is a huge issue on campus,” said Garfinkel, a three-year member on the student senate board. “Getting involved means knowing more about your school and your community.”

The Thomas Jefferson Area in Charlottesville, Virginia, established the Day of Caring in 1992, with the goal to promote the spirit and value of volunteerism, increase the awareness of local human service agencies and schools, and demonstrate what people working together for the community’s good can accomplish.

Garfinkel wants 500 students to participate four hours of their time on September 25th. She hopes more than 2,000 hours of community service will better the community for everyone.

“A lot of students don’t take the time to learn about these events that are happening,” says Garfinkel. “It really isn’t a big deal asking them for 4 hours of their time.”

Last year, over 1,200 volunteers participated in the daylong event. Volunteers helped repair classrooms, shelters, playgrounds as well as paint over graffiti, organize inventory, and plant trees – tasks these local United Way agencies don’t have the money or resources to do themselves.

Lisa Lopez, United Way Day Planner at SBCC, plans for a “friendly” competition between SBCC and Westmont. Lopez encourages volunteers to sign up at least one week prior to the event.

“I would like for SBCC to have 100 more participants than Westmont,” Lopez said. “It will be fun.”

Day of Caring will start at 8 a.m. Breakfast and kickoff rally will take place at the Page Youth Center in Goleta on 4540 Hollister Avenue. Children age 6 years and older are welcomed.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact Julie Askew at (805) 965-8594 or email [email protected]. You can also download forms at The United Way website.