Unitil’s George Gantz, campaign chair for United Way of North Central Massachusetts, officially kicks off the organization’s annual campaign drive at its Day of Caring.  Over 500 volunteers donated the day to work on 74 different projects for nonprofits throughout the region.

Employees from SimplexGrinnell and Unitil celebrate the installation of one of six signs the group built as part of United Way of North Central Massachusetts’ Day of Caring. Over 500 volunteers donated the day to work on 74 different projects for nonprofits throughout the region.

September 21, 2006  –  The sea of black tee shirts was unmistakable as more than 500 individuals gathered Thursday morning in Leominster to help kick off United Way of North Central Massachusetts’ Annual Campaign Drive and Day of  Caring.  

The turnout continues to amaze Rich Palmer, chair of the Day of Caring. “This is our eleventh year and we see more and more employees participating, which is fantastic,” noted Palmer.

Employees from 65 companies and organizations, all donning Day of Caring shirts, spend the day helping 50 area nonprofits spruce up, paint and perform much needed maintenance projects.  In addition, a team of eight volunteers were going to help the Kiwanis repair over 130 used bicycles that would be donated to area children. 

The day-long event got started at the Four Points Sheraton, Leominster, with a campaign rally.  Before heading out to their assignments, the volunteers, along with community leaders, heard Campaign Chair George Gantz ask for the community’s support as this year’s annual campaign drive gets underway.

“With the community’s support we can create 365 “days of caring” for thousands of individuals throughout North Central Massachusetts,” noted Gantz, who is a senior vice president for Unitil.     

Each year United Way raises money through corporate donations and employee contributions for local health and human service programs.

Following the announcement of the campaign goal, the volunteers received words from Palmer, executive director of Montachusett YMCA. “This event continues to grow each year thanks to the incredible support of area businesses.” Palmer also thanked all the financial supporters including SimplexGrinnell, which was a major sponsor of the event.

For information about giving to the United Way’s Annual Campaign Drive, call 978-345-1577 or visit their website at www.uwncm.org.

United Way of North Central Massachusetts serves the communities of Ashburnham, Ashby, Ayer, Barre, Devens, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hubbardston, Leominster, Littleton, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Shirley, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster and Winchendon.