More than 250 expected to volunteer over three days
Philadelphia, PA – Today, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) kicks off three days of participation in the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania’s annual Days of Caring by helping to restore a local neighborhood park. This year, more than 250 IBC associates are expected to participate in 10 projects over three days.
Starting at 9 a.m. today, at least 50 IBC associates will join a cleanup project at the Lebanon Avenue and North 68th Street entrance to Morris Park, led by the Royal Gardens Association, whose mission is to foster community development and involvement through the beautification of park and anti-graffiti projects. IBC associates will remove graffiti and invasive plants, prep trees for cold weather, and plant 100 mums.
“What makes our associates truly awesome is the enthusiasm and energy they bring each year to the Days of Caring events. They exemplify the United Way spirit of “Living United” as first-class employees and as outstanding volunteers,” said Daniel J. Hilferty, IBC president and CEO. “I’m proud to stand with them and our partners at the United Way to improve lives and build a stronger and healthier community.”
In addition to today’s neighborhood park clean-up, IBC associates will also participate in Days of Caring service projects on September 19 and 20. They will help provide meals for chronically-ill patients and for the disadvantaged; prepare kits for fire emergencies; beautify the locations of several recreational, educational, and charitable centers; prepare rooms for guests at a charitable lodge; provide educational and recreational items to children; help with administrative and labor tasks at a nonprofit; and assist senior citizens at a special event.
Service project organization sites include:
- American Red Cross, Philadelphia, PA
- AstraZeneca Hope Lodge, Cheltenham, PA
- Cradles to Crayons, West Conshohocken, PA
- Food Bank of Southern NJ, Pennsauken, NJ
- MANNA, Philadelphia, PA
- McKaig Nature Education Center, Wayne, PA
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia Senior Center, Philadelphia, PA
- YWCA of Princeton, Princeton, NJ
In 2011, more than 300 IBC associates joined the Days of Caring effort by helping with 10 community projects. In addition, 85 percent of associates participated in the 2011-2012 United Way fundraising campaign with contributions totaling more than $783,000.