Arlington-based Senior Aerospace AMT 'pays it forward' on Days of Caring

ARLINGTON — For Barbara Parkhurst and her colleagues at Senior Aerospace AMT in Arlington, United Way's Days of Caring took on a special significance this year.

Organized by United Way of Snohomish County, the Days of Caring on Friday, Sept. 21, and Saturday, Sept. 22, were part of the largest two-day volunteer event in the county. This year, 769 volunteers in 63 teams from 43 organizations and companies participated in 36 projects throughout the county. The estimated financial impact of the almost 4,000 hours of work performed by these volunteers added up to more than $85,000.

"Volunteering is a great way to give back and support our community," said Parkhurst, whose team helped out at Sherwood Community Services, a nonprofit that provides support to people with disabilities. "What we didn't know is that one of our volunteers' brothers used Sherwood's services many years ago. I felt wonderful to give back to an organization that had helped one of our own."

According to Parkhurst, this realization imbued their yard work, painting projects, gutter cleaning and rotation of the emergency water supply with even more meaning.

Joy Panks, administration director for Sherwood Community Services, was thrilled just to have the extra assistance.

"Without the help of the volunteers from AMT, we would not have been able to keep our facility in top shape," Panks said.

"We live in a generous community," said Dennis G. Smith, president and CEO of United Way. "We are thankful for all of the ways that people give back, whether by giving, advocating or volunteering."

United Way maintains an online database of volunteer opportunities at nonprofits throughout the county. To sign up for a one-time or ongoing volunteer project, visit uwsc.org.

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