By BECKY HAND
Community editor
     People in modern times are known to show they care by wearing a ribbon with a symbolic color representing their cause.
     On Tuesday, though, a group of Whitley County folks wore their caring with more than just a ribbon of color. They wore purple T-shirts and got out and worked for their cause.
     The Day Of Caring began Tuesday morning with a breakfast prepared by Doug Wright and his crew, sponsored by Orizon Real Estate. Lunch was provided by Krogers.
     The food was fuel for the crews who went out to complete projects in the community.
     Local businesses and individuals rolled up their sleeves to “get ‘r done” benefitting many organizations and people of the community.
     Some of the groups receiving help: 4-H Center, B.A.B.E., Blue River Apartments, Camp Whitley, Churubusco Community Child Care, Churubusco Library, Columbia City Chamber, Habitat for Humanity, Humane Society, Lifeline Youth and Family Services, Passages, The Center for Whitley County Youth, The Lighthouse, Town of South Whitley, Whitley County Council on Aging, Whitley County YMCA, Whitley County Historical Museum, Columbia City Parks Department and many individuals.
     Dave Smith of STAR Bank and a member of the Day of Caring committee said this year they had a few more projects than last year, about 35 total, and the volunteers numbered 207. Patty Rethlake chaired the committee.
     A volunteer of the year award was presented to Barb Bilger, who has served on many boards in the community, on the Chamber of Commerce and the Lighthouse among others. In her former business, she matched dollar for dollar her employees giving to the United Way campaign.
     The Day of Caring is the kickoff for the United Way campaign, and Melinda Woll of the United Way was excited to announce at the breakfast that they have raised $18,500 even before the start of the campaign.
     In its seventh year, the Day of Caring program continues to give sweat equity back, making Whitley County a better place to live.

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