LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – The United Way of Lima held its 9th annual "National Day of Caring," with volunteers tackling projects all across the area.
From cleaning centuries-old headstones to packing up food for hundreds of local families, this year's United Way Day of Caring brought out more than 200 volunteers across 20 sites in Allen County and beyond.
"We get volunteers from businesses, schools, organizations, our nonprofits—they all meet for one day and do projects around town for our nonprofit organizations in Lima," said Kristen Hobbs, resource development director, United Way of Greater Lima.
One of the newer projects this year took place at the Shawnee Township Cemetery, where volunteers worked alongside The Tombstone Project to restore veterans' headstones—some dating back centuries.
"There are some out there that don't have ancestors anymore to take care of them. Cemeteries don't have the funding … it takes a lot of time, a lot of effort. It's just giving back to somebody that gave something that you can't thank them for," said Brandon Baker, founder of The Tombstone Project.
The Tombstone Project was started just two years ago by a group of local veterans. Their mission: to bring dignity to veterans who no longer have anyone left to honor them.
"These are veterans that we can't thank anymore. They served their country, some of them died for their country. So it's nice to be able to show a little bit of respect, shine up some tombstones and make it look good," said Robert Boissoneault, co-founder of The Tombstone Project.
And this year, The Tombstone Project had quite the turnout.
"Normally we have about 12 people … today we have about 26. It's our way of honoring them. It's the only way to really show them love anymore," said Britt Munson, vice president, Veterans Freedom Flag Monument.
Across town, more than 100 volunteers showed up at the West Ohio Food Bank to tackle all sorts of needs.
"We only have a staff of 18 and we service 11 counties. So we rely heavily on volunteers. A lot of these projects kind of get put on the back burner … until they've just got to be done," said Tommie Harner, CEO of the West Ohio Food Bank.
Volunteers helped clean the warehouse, pack more than 600 senior food boxes, and assist with a major food distribution that reached hundreds of families.
"We are so grateful they chose us to come and help … so many people are going to have food on their table tonight," said Harner.
The Day of Caring continues to grow year after year, and organizers say they already have big dreams for the 10th anniversary.
"Next year will be our 10th annual year … I want to fill every single project that is submitted and just get more people involved in the community," said Hobbs.
