November 21, 2013
United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region hosted its annual Days of Caring on October 2nd and 3rd. During the event, community volunteers and those from local businesses donated their time and talents to help at several United Way partner agencies. Projects varied widely to accommodate many areas of service such as meal preparation and delivery, landscaping, painting, senior activities and numerous other tasks. Agencies receiving volunteer assistance were Ajax Turner Senior Citizens Center, Ft. Campbell Armed Services YMCA, Head Start, Meals on Wheels, Urban Ministries, and Centerstone Regional Intervention Program.
“Among our efforts to advance the common good, United Way works to mobilize the 
caring power of our community by strengthening a volunteer network willing and ready to help those in need,” said Ginna Holleman, CEO of United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region. “Days of Caring connects individuals and workplace partners with service opportunities and provides much needed assistance in the community. Volunteers are given time away from their jobs to pitch in and make a meaningful difference. The impact achieved is often life changing, not only for those served, but also for those participating. We are grateful for the service of so many dedicated community members and the results of their investments, “ she commented.
Local director Jill Groves shared her excitement about Meals on Wheels service. “This was my first year being involved with Days of Caring and I have enjoyed every minute of it. It’s more than just a meal, it’s the smiles on our faces and the hugs that we give that make the difference in the senior’s lives,” she explained.
Local businesses and their employees supporting the event include Clarksville Pediatric Dentistry, Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation, Cumberland Bank and Trust, 
Fort Campbell Federal Credit Union, Heritage Bank, Jack B. Turner and Associates, Inc., Legal Aid Society, Legends Bank, Clarksville – Montgomery County Economic Development Council, Publix Supermarkets, Stone, Rudolph & Henry CPAs and Trane. This year’s Days of Caring was sponsored by Legends Bank, Publix Supermarkets, Gateway Medical Center, and Cumberland Bank and Trust.
Steve Springer, local partner with Stone, Rudolph, and Henry CPAs, volunteered to play the piano for seniors at Ajax Turner Senior Citizen Center. Lillian Pulley, Senior Circle of Friends Adult Day Care Director, expressed their appreciation for his service and performance. “He was kind, considerate and patient. He played every request they made. They enjoyed singing along even though none of us can carry a tune. We are so grateful and enjoyed having him with us,” she praised.
This year’s “Shine On Award” was earned by Jack B. Turner and Associates, Inc. and is presented to the workplace with the largest percentage of employee participation. “We are humbled and honored to be the recipients this year of the Shine On Award for our participation in Days of Caring,” said Carol Walker, employee of the local firm and event volunteer. “Our folks are always eager to sign up to serve our community. Mr. Turner considers United Way to be a very important organization to Clarksville / Montgomery County, and he is always very generous in allowing us to give of our time, away from the office, in service to the various agencies. Whether it’s delivering meals, washing vans, painting or landscaping, we always have lots of fun. As it is in most cases of serving others, we are the ones that come away most blessed.”
