More than 1,250 set to work on volunteer projects Wednesday

More than 1,250 volunteers from 56 companies and organizations will participate Wednesday in United Way of East Central Iowa's 12

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annual Day of Caring.  The volunteers will complete more than 110 service projects at nearly 55 local nonprofit agencies.

Participating businesses  allow employee teams to work for all or part of the day on projects ranging from painting and washing windows to planting flowers and sorting donated food.  The work makes a lasting impact on the volunteers and the individuals who use the services of the nonprofit organizations.

The agencies receive donated work and time valued at over $125,000.  In addition, United Way of East Central Iowa was awarded a $2,500 Building Healthy Communities Grant from The Home Depot Foundation to support the cost of materials and supplies for some projects.  The Home Depot Foundation's Building Healthy Communities grant program supports the work that local nonprofit organizations, public schools and other community organizations are doing to improve the physical health of their neighborhoods.

This year's Day of Caring will kick off at the Veterans Memorial Stadium at 7:30 am. Volunteers will gather for free breakfast, team photos and a brief presentation, including emcee Tim Boyle and a proclamation from Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett.  Rockwell Collins is sponsoring the kick-off breakfast.