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Day of Caring Projects, Volunteers Needed

 Greater Ottawa County United Way has set Thursday September 16 as the date for the annual, county-wide Day of Caring; and Shannon Morton, United Way Director of Volunteerism, is seeking projects in need of volunteers and volunteers eager to complete projects on that day.

United Way’s Day of Caring has been a tradition for ten years in Ottawa County. On this one day, hundreds of volunteers take to the streets to complete projects at agencies, homes, schools, parks, and local landmarks. On Day of Caring 2009, more than 700 volunteers from local businesses, schools, and organizations completed 90 projects across the county.

Examples of past projects  include helping senior citizens and people with disabilities with yard and home maintenance, reading to children, organizing a food pantry, brightening up a nonprofit organization’s offices with a fresh coat of paint, or building a community playground. While some projects can take most of the day, many can be completed in a half day, either morning or afternoon,

Morton encourages any citizen or organization with a project that needs to be done to contact her at (616) 610-1338 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it as soon as possible. Projects can range in size from something that five people can do to something that 20 people can complete in from four to eight hours.

Said Morton, “No project is too big or too small. Without projects, work can’t be done; and without our incredible volunteers, lives aren’t able to be changed for the better.” Companies and organizations that would like to volunteer a team for Day of Caring are also encouraged to contact Morton soon.

Volunteers are rewarded with a barbeque lunch, donated and served by A.D. Bos Vending Services, Inc., of Holland, at Yogi Bear Camp & Resort on US-31 just south of M45. In addition to A.D. Bos, generous donations from Sara Lee Corporation and Yogi Bear Camp and Resort help to provide this festive community event.

September 16 also marks the official kick-off for Greater Ottawa County United Way’s Annual Community Campaign, which this year has been titled “Campaign 10/11: “The Building Blocks of a Better Life.”       For more information on how to give, advocate, or volunteer to advance the common good in Ottawa County, visit www.ottawaunitedway.org.

Day of Caring team form

Day of Caring project form

 2009 Day of Caring Volunteers cleaned, painted, and fixed up the facilities at The Critter Barn in Zeeland.

Nine Students Receive Service Awards

Director of Volunteerism Shannon Morton made the rounds to high school awards ceremonies in Ottawa County in April and May, bestowing the Michigan Governor’s Excellence in Service Awards (for 400 hours of community service) on five Student Service Learning graduates of four high schools in Ottawa County.  They are:

Megan Bos, Black River High School, Holland, who logged 1,076 volunteer hours.

Hannah Selig, Black River High School, 600 hours

Grace Sterenberg, Grand Haven High School, 515 hours

Shelby Shafer, Spring Lake High School, 1051 hours

Aubreanne Meintsma, Coopersville High School, 1,336 hours.

Another four more students, all graduates of Grand Haven High School, received the United Way Service Award for performing at least 100 hours of service during high school.  They are Justin Scharporn, Kalie Richard, Jeanne Sherman, and Rachael Toepfer.

Congratulations 2010 SSL grads!  To learn more about United Way's Student Service Learning program, click "Volunteer" on the home page at www.ottawaunitedway.org.

GHSP Adopts a Park

 GHSP IS THE FIRST COMPANY TO ADOPT A PARK IN OTTAWA COUNTY

Grand Haven, MI -   Look out, invasive species at Hemlock Crossing Park!  On June 17, you will meet your destiny.  And don’t try to come back, because GHSP will be after you two more times this year. 

GHSP is the first company to “Adopt a Park” in Ottawa County.  Ottawa County Parks has many programs to help maintain the area’s 22 parks, including park cleanup in the spring and special projects where volunteers build boardwalks and bridges.  With the newly-launched “Adopt a Park” program, companies are asked to engage in the battle against invasive species with a three-year commitment to the program.  Companies that “Adopt a Park” are responsible for bringing a group of volunteers to the park at least three times a year.  GHSP expects more than 20 volunteers to improve the character of Hemlock Crossing Park on Thursday, June 17 from 3:30-5:30, weather permitting.  GHSP will also be helping with other park improvement projects over the next three years as part of the program.    

“Because of the loss of tax base and reduced budgets, we are counting on the involvement of private sector assistance to help us be good stewards of the land we are so lucky to have here in Ottawa County,” stated John Scholtz, parks and recreation director for Ottawa County.  “Controlling invasive species is more than just pulling weeds – it is a necessary function for maintaining the natural beauty and character of our parks.  We are thankful to GHSP for adopting Hemlock Crossing Park, and we hope other companies will consider doing the same.”    

“One of GHSP’s objectives is to have a positive, not neutral, impact on the environment,” said Bob Mersereau, global marketing manager for GHSP and a member of the company’s community stakeholder team.  “We are responsible for helping manage the interdependence of our business and our community.  Improving the quality of life where we operate is integral to maintaining the balance of this relationship, and that means getting involved in something bigger than ourselves outside of the workplace."

GHSP initially contacted Shannon Morton, director of volunteerism with the Greater Ottawa Country United Way, to learn how GHSP could make a positive impact on the community.  Morton connected GHSP with the “Adopt a Park” program. 

“United Way is a well-rounded organization that helps the community give, advocate and volunteer.  We try to make the perfect match with volunteering and area needs, and the “Adopt a Park” program seemed to be a good fit for GHSP and the community, especially with the investment the JSJ Foundation has provided to the Nature Education Center at Hemlock Crossing Park,” said Morton.

GHSP is a JSJ company.  The JSJ Foundation made a three-year commitment to support the Nature Education Center which recently opened at Hemlock Crossing Park.  The Nature Education Center, along with being the gateway to seven miles of trails at the park, includes exhibits, wildlife feeding and viewing areas, a “critter den” and activities and special educational programs.

Companies interested in participating in the “Adopt a Park” program are asked to call the Greater Ottawa County United Way at (616) 396-7811.

GHSP is a leading global supplier of mechanical and mechatronic control systems to surface transportation industries, including automotive, heavy truck and others. The company serves its customers from concept to delivery with world class product design, development and program management, as well as excellence in manufacturing in locations around the world.  Visit www.ghsp.com to learn more about the company.

United Way Seeks Volunteers for Annual Beach Sweep May 22

Shannon Morton, Greater Ottawa County United Way’s Director of Volunteerism, has always believed that volunteering is a day at the beach, and now she can prove it. United Way has issued a call for volunteers for its annual Beach Sweep, which takes place Saturday May 22 from 9-11 a.m.  Volunteers can choose from two Ottawa County locations:  Rosy Mound Natural Area, 13925 Lakeshore Drive in Grand Haven Township or Kirk Park, 9791 Lakeshore Drive in West Olive. 

“Volunteers don’t need to bring anything unless they want work gloves or water,” said Morton. “Just meet us in the parking lot of either park at 9:00 a.m. and we’ll go to work to keep our beaches beautiful.” 

Bags will be provided. Beach Sweep will take place rain or shine.  Cancellation will occur only in the event of lightning.

United Way would like to know how many volunteers to expect at each location. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 396-7811 to register by Friday May 14.