Uniting for Change in Evanston

A gray sky and monsoon-like conditions didn’t break the spirits of 68 volunteers ready to give back to their community during our 4th Annual Evanston Day of Caring.  

A volunteer-based community event, Evanston Day of Caring brings together residents and corporate employees to complete projects at social service agencies across the neighborhood.

“I believe investing in our communities is our civic duty,” said Joe Higgins, executive director of external affairs at Comcast. “It infuses pride and productivity to residents and is a great way to give back.”

Rallying the volunteer troops

To kick off the day of volunteerism, United Way of Metro Chicago and our Evanston partners hosted a breakfast rally at Wild Café at Northwestern University’s Ryan Field. Evanston Mayor Steven Hagerty was there to energize the crowd.

“Having a day where people can come together and learn about the different opportunities the city has to offer for giving and to support people in need is fantastic,” said Hagerty. “I hope at the end of the day people will want to get more involved in our community.”

Following the rally, the volunteers were sent off to work at one of six project sites. Each site was created in partnership with a United Way of Metro Chicago community partner, including the Evanston YWCA, PEER Services, and Connections for the Homeless, all part of United Way’s Evanston Neighborhood Network and Evanston Cradle to Career.

Serving through shelter projects

At the Evanston YWCA community center and women’s shelter, volunteers worked on a variety of projects, from weeding and mulching to prepping the shelter for winter. Those working outside even continued transporting wheel-barrels full of mulch during a torrential downpour.

“This site is where the diehard volunteers are,” Brian Cataldo, relationship manager at United Way of Metro Chicago, joked as he worked.

With the change in seasons, many of the area shelters were also prepping for colder weather, including Hilda’s Place, a homeless shelter located in the basement of Lake Street Church.

The shelter, run by our partner agency Connections for the Homeless, serves about 1,000 people per year, according to Lisa Todd, the organization’s community outreach manager. Volunteers helped sort through piles of clothing in preparation for the increased need. “As the weather turns, people will come to our drop-in program looking for winter clothing, and we’ll have plenty of clothes to warm them up.”

Stepping up for those in need

On the other side of town at Orrington Plaza, other volunteers helped our agency partners at PEER Services set up for their next event – a charity stair climb benefiting low-income teens and adults who struggle with addiction.

“I look forward to this event because it’s a way to celebrate people who are on a journey to recovery,” said Jenny Phan, development director at PEER Services.

“Much like we celebrate people who beat cancer or other serious diseases, addiction, the biggest health problem currently facing the country, should also be recognized.”

Volunteers make an impact

Through the Evanston Day of Caring, volunteers not only got the change to engage with their peers and colleagues on a deeper level, they showed what’s possible when neighbors work together together to drive lasting change in their community.

Now, Evanston teens will have greater access to addiction services and our neighbors who are homeless can look forward to clean clothes this winter.  

We thank all the wonderful volunteers for giving their time and energy and making this possible!

If you’re interested in making an impact, too, our team will work with you to find a volunteer opportunity that advances your company’s philanthropic goals, while supporting your community and strengthening your team. Join us today!