FRANK MCLAUGHLIN

“Helping people is what really matters to me.”

Frank McLaughlin is a community-minded man. He never hesitates to step up when there’s a problem to be solved. That is exactly why he was excited to volunteer for United Way’s annual Day of Caring.

For the last three years, Frank and his co-workers from West Penn Power have participated in Day of Caring, a one-day volunteer event that connects teams of volunteers with non-profit organizations in Westmoreland, Fayette and Southern Armstrong Counties. As non-profits have limited budgets, Day of Caring volunteers provide valuable assistance by working on projects (like painting and landscaping) that would otherwise go undone.

“It’s nice to get out of the office and do something to help the community,” Frank said. “It’s a great team-building opportunity, too.”

In 2016, volunteers from West Penn Power had a big impact at the  Scottdale Historical Society. Frank recalls how the Historical Society staff was shocked that the volunteers were able to complete so much in just one day.

“We painted, repaired broken windows, cut down dead trees, mowed the lawn, weeded, and more. It was more than they dreamed was possible,” he explained.

Frank says he will continue volunteering on the Day of Caring in years to come because he knows when you give your time to help those in need, you get so much more in return.

To learn more or get involved in this year’s Day of Caring in Westmoreland, Fayette and Southern Armstrong Counties, contact Jackie Johns at Jackie.johns@unitedwayswpa.org or visit unitedway4u.org/DayofCaring.