By Crystal Faldalen
Friday marks the third annual United Way Day of Caring in Havre and everyone is encouraged to participate, said Hill County United Way director Bob Rice.
This year's focus is the North Havre Community Food Bank. Help is needed for stripping, painting, repair and landscaping, Rice said.
The Day of Caring was created to enable people to do hands-on work to improve community resources. The United Way supports about 18 agencies in Hill County, including the food bank.
Rice said each agency funded by the United Way has been asked to provide an employee to participate in the Day of Caring. United Way board members also have been asked to participate in the event.
Rice said the number of participants has dropped since the first Day of Caring in Havre. He said he is hoping for a lot of help this year. The food bank is in need of a lot of work, he said, and he's hoping the community will step up and volunteer time to the cause.
The event begins at 8 a.m., and volunteers can work whenever they are available. Food and beverages will be provided.
Food bank director Cyndi Murphy said she is hoping for a lot of help with the project. "The food bank is pretty dilapidated," she said. "There's a lot of work that needs to be done."
Murphy said she is asking that anyone who needs a food basket from the food bank to do so before Friday. Bread, fruit and other regular items will still be available on that day, and food bank patrons will be asked to use the side entrance. Murphy said the food bank appreciates being chosen for the Day of Caring project.
Last year's Day of Caring focused on the Girl Scout house in Havre, providing it with a new paint job and general repairs. Rice said about 15 people volunteered time last year, and he is hoping to see a much bigger turnout for this year's event.
