Week of Caring 2010

Week of Caring is an annual event sponsored by the United Way that connects hundreds of corporate volunteers to community organizations across the Bay Area.  It's a wonderful way for corporations to get involved in meaningful volunteer projects, and also bond as a group- which is exactly why Center staff are always quick to not only facilitate Week of Caring in Marin, but also participate in it.

This year, we were sent to the new offices of In Defense of Animals- an animal activist organization that aims to  end animal exploitation, cruelty, and abuse by protecting and advocating for the rights, welfare, and habitats of animals, as well as to raise their status beyond mere property, commodities, or things.  We normally don't have the opportunity to work with advocacy groups such as IDA, which is why it was especially exciting for us as a staff to go check it out!

The morning started with some outdoor work- we helped to spruce up their outdoor area by trimming back plants, sweeping, and pulling dead plants.  While some may look at this as a tedious task, I am certainly not one of those people!  Anytime I am able to combine being outdoors with volunteering AND exercise, I am a happy camper.  

After a couple hours outdoors, I was then able to put my IKEA skills to use by helping build a new set of drawers for them.  Again, not everybody's cup of tea- but I loved it!  It also gave me a chance to meet one of their regular volunteers, and hear the secretary speak on some of their latest campaigns.

While I very much enjoyed my experience there, because we were volunteering as a staff, I'm not the only one with a story to share.  Here are some reflections from my colleagues...

"It was a great way to learn about and help a new agency in Marin. The office dog, Charlie, was rambunctious, lovable, and made the experience all that much more enjoyable. The hospitality and appreciation of the IDA staff was very warm as they treated us to vegan doughnuts and coffee while we helped spruce up the office grounds and assisted in moving office furniture. It was PAWESOME!" 

-Emmett Brady

"Last Friday, my coworkers and I spent the morning at a Week of Caring volunteer project pulling weeds, raking, sweeping and organizing equipment at IDA. While the work itself wasn’t glamorous, I must say it was nice to get my hands dirty and have a chance to bond with my coworkers.  As a staff member of a nonprofit myself I know that it’s sometimes the least “exciting” work that is the most vital and that’s what keeps me coming back to volunteer my time pulling weeds, cleaning out closets, and stuffing envelopes.  It’s tasks like these that enable the hardworking staff of nonprofits to be able to focus on delivering on their missions and making our community a better place for all."

-Sarah Darcey-Martin

So there you have it.  Another successful staff outing, and a great few hours outside of the office.