It’s called a Day of Caring.  For over 15 years, Centre County United Way has been giving back to the community here in Centre County.  Tammy Gentzel is the Executive Director of Centre County United Way and is thrilled with this year’s turnout.

“There are 1,598 volunteers working through out all of Centre County to help non-profits manage their properties,” said Gentzel.

On Thursday, Centre County United Way partnered with 34 organizations throughout the region. Students from the Delta Program in State College spent their day restoring parts of Shaver’s creek.

“We’re all coming together, in times when there is worry and stress about what’s going on.  We can all just stop worrying about that and come together and help everyone,” said Vera Mendum-Purdy, a Delta student volunteer.

Students took part in building bridges, pulling weeds, and fixing up hiking trails.

“I think it helps build character and I think it helps us realize what happens in the real world outside of school in our everyday lives,” said Anjelica Rubin, a Delta student volunteer. 

Gentzel says the event is only possible because of the hundreds of volunteers who donate their time.

“It’s been really great to talk to the volunteers and get to know them and understand how much they care about this community,” said Gentzel.

She says that knowing you are a making a difference in someone’s life, is unlike anything else.

“They walk away and say it’s done, I did something good today, and I can see it.  It’s not going to happen in the future, it’s not that I’ve given a donation that might help some place.  It’s that I did it today with my own hands, and I am walking away and I feel good about it,” said Gentzel.