Day of Caring a success

  • Published
  • By Christy Mason
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Despite brisk temperatures, nearly 50 volunteers from Malmstrom Air Force Base and other federal employees gathered at the Great Falls, Mont., Post Office Oct. 24 to help elderly and disabled members of the community during this year's annual Day of Caring.

The Day of Caring, as part of the Combined Federal Campaign, allows federal employees and military personnel an opportunity to give back to the community by doing various yard work and household projects for community members unable to complete them.

"The Day of Caring is a day where federal workers can go out and help the elderly and disabled in the community by providing some basic needs including yard work, cleaning gutters, washing windows and indoor work if needed," said Nancy Donovan, secretary to the post master. "The people (making the requests) really look forward to this every year. We get phone calls starting in August and September."

After receiving their assignments, the volunteers set out with rakes and garbage bags in hand to fill over 40 requests received from residents throughout the city. 

"This is a great opportunity for Malmstom to help out," said Master Sgt. Jim Ulrich, 12th Missile Squadron superintendent.  "The community is very supportive to us, so it's a way for our Airmen and civilians to give back to the community."

At one residence, a team consisting of members from multiple squadrons from around the base went to work cleaning out gutters, raking leaves and clearing debris from the resident's porch.

"I grew up in a nursing home, so I understand firsthand what it means for people to need help," said 1st Lt. Jennifer Wendland, 341st Maintenance Operations Squadron training flight commander. "Also as military members, we understand.  The reason we joined is so we can help people who can't help themselves."

While the majority of volunteers were from Malmstrom, the United Way contributed rakes and cleaning supplies and employees of the Great Falls Post Office collected the work requests and coordinated the event.

"I think this event is a very positive thing for our community," said Gary Owen, United Way director.  "So many of these seniors aren't able to do these types of duties on their own and as part of the Combined Federal Campaign, it's just another way that federal employees in our area make our community better.  From our perspective, it's just nice to see the numbers of people that came out and helped and we're glad to be a part of it."