University Times

There’s still time for staff, faculty and student volunteers to sign up for Pitt’s Sept. 15 Day of Caring.

At the 16th annual event more than 400 Pitt volunteers, including family members and friends, are expected to work in surrounding neighborhoods and at local and regional agencies as part of the broader Pitt-United Way campaign, which formally kicks off Oct. 12.

“We invite the University community to continue Pitt’s legacy of service through volunteering,” said Volunteer Pool coordinator Steve Zupcic.

While most of the Day of Caring community projects are full, Zupcic said, a few still need volunteers. These include:

• Helping to improve the clinic waiting area at the Family Healthcare Center in the East End;

• Assisting the Oakland Planning and Development Corp. with tree planting, Belgian block placement and other improvements to public areas in the residential district of Oakland Square, and

• Working with clients of United Cerebral Palsy in Oakland to assist in developing practical life skills, career placement skills and basic computer skills, as well as assisting with facilities improvements.

“All of these are worthwhile projects that give volunteers a sense of accomplishment when they see just how much we can get done in our community,” Zupcic said.

“This year, we’ve also scheduled an on-campus faculty and staff blood drive for those who are unable to take a whole day volunteering, but who still want to be part of the Day of Caring effort,” he said.

Blood may be donated Sept. 11, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. in the William Pitt Union lower lounge, and Sept. 12, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. in Victoria Hall 1st floor lounge. Participants are asked to bring identification. To schedule an appointment, contact Gwen Watkins at 412/624-7702 by Sept. 8.

Volunteers for Day of Caring are asked to call Zupcic at 412/624-7709 or e-mail him at stz@pitt.edu for more information or to register. Pre-registration is required. All projects are set for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 15.

Volunteers also can check the web site (www.pitt.edu/~united/projects.html) for updates on Day of Caring.

In addition to work release time (with supervisor approval), volunteers get a T-shirt; lunch at the host agency; all necessary tools and equipment; transportation, and the opportunity to win prizes during this fall’s Pitt-United Way fundraising effort.

—Peter Hart