NAVSUP Volunteers Participate in Day of Caring

By Tim Christmann, Naval Supply Systems Command Public Affairs

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (NNS) -- Approximately 230 military and government civilian personnel from Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) participated in the United Way Day of Caring event in Harrisburg, Pa., Sept. 16.

Day of Caring is the largest, one-day mobilization of volunteers in the central Pennsylvania capital region.

The event brings together volunteers from local companies and non-profits that need help to complete projects which would otherwise go unfinished.

NAVSUP personnel joined more than 1,600 volunteers to do a variety of jobs including painting and simple repairs, landscaping, cleaning projects, sorting and organizing donations at non-profit organizations like shelters, missions, community centers and libraries, said Donna Lattanzio, campaign manager,

United Way

of the [Central Pennsylvania] Capital Region (UWCR).

"Some volunteers also helped clean and restore Civil War markers at Union Cemetery in Carlisle, Pa.," said Lattanzio. "NAVSUP personnel provided the extra hands and assistance for projects the agencies need to get done but don't have the time to do."

"We're grateful to the employees of NAVSUP for making a difference in our community through our Day of Caring," said Joseph Capita, UWCR president and chief executive officer. "This year our friends at NAVSUP supplied more Day of Caring volunteers than any other employer in the region. This shows that NAVSUP employees are committed to making the capital region a better place to live."

"Today is the first day in an annual effort to help local people in need, and there is an ambitious plan this year to accomplish just that. Today shows that helping people is what this community is all about and I am happy and proud to be a part of it." said NAVSUP Deputy Commander Rear Adm. Sean Crean, during the Day of Caring kick-off event at the Radisson hotel in Camp Hill, Pa.

NAVSUP volunteers agreed.

"I am glad to have an opportunity to give back to the community that I work in," said Janet Tice, NAVSUP Headquarters Funds Management Branch volunteer. "It's important to give a helping hand to those in need if you are able to do so."

"It feels good to give and to work with an organization that makes a difference in people's lives," said Kevin McCarthy, from NAVSUP's Navy Supply Information Systems Activity.