NORWICH – The Chenango United Way’s 2011 campaign will kick off on Saturday with the 4th Annual Day of Caring volunteer event.

Approximately two dozen local not-for-profit organizations have submitted requests for volunteer work that is “greatly needed within our community,” and a number of county businesses, families and individuals are expected to participate, reported Chenango United Way Campaign Director Rebecca O’Connor.

“We’ve got corporate teams, entire families and individuals who, year after year, come together and unite to make an enormous difference,” said O’Connor. “This year we’ve received projects from all over the county.”

According to O’Connor, last year’s Day of Caring impacted an estimated 30 sites and organizations countywide and more than 170 volunteers took part, donating over 1,000 hours in volunteer time in a single day painting, performing building maintenance, preparing food packets for local food pantries, performing light yard work, gardening and cleaning.

United Way Board Member, Day of Caring committee member and volunteer John Stafford, who’s been involved with the Day of Caring event since its inception, said it’s “been a pleasure” to see the event grow from its “original planning stages” in its first year to the event it is today.