Operation UniteD
serving those who served.
APRIL 26, 2024
Operation United is an annual event that mobilizes volunteers to recognize the sacrifices and service of veterans and active military families, with a focus on seniors and those with disabilities, here in Kent County.
“IT’S A TRUE BLESSING. I DON’T HAVE THE RIGHT WORDS TO EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE.”
Our Volunteer Center matches each veteran or family with a group of volunteers from a local company or organization. On event day, these volunteers complete outdoor improvements such as yardwork, landscaping, and minor outdoor repairs to make veterans’ homes safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable.
Past projects have included stair and ramp building, power washing, deck repair, refuse removal, mulching, mowing, and tree planting.
FOR VETERANS and Their Loved Ones
Are you, or is someone you know, a veteran, active duty service member, or military spouse/surviving spouse whose home would be safer, more accessible, or more enjoyable with a bit of landscaping and outdoor improvements?
The Volunteer Center identifies Operation United projects through an application process. (Please note: Due to the number of applications we receive, veterans or families who participated in the past cannot qualify for future projects.)
QUALIFications:
Must be a veteran, active duty service member, or military spouse/surviving spouse (proof of service may be requested)
Must be a renter or homeowner residing in Kent County
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Include but not limited to:
• Brush and leaf removal
• Fence repair
• Power washing
• Adding plants and flowerbeds
• Painting and staining (full home exterior painting unavailable)
• Staircase repair
• Weeding and trimming
• Refuse removal (see exceptions)
• Gutter cleaning -
• Demolition of any detached buildings larger than sheds
• Roofing
• Removal of large yard waste/scrap (broken down vehicles and anything extremely heavy or unsafe such as barbed wire or large chunks of concrete)
• Total tree removal
• Wheelchair ramps
• Work requiring licensed professionals (there may be exceptions but no guarantees)
FOR VOLUNTEERS
“I TRY TO VOLUNTEER ANY TIME I CAN, AND I HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART FOR VETERANS.”
VOLUNTEER To MAKE A DIFFERENCE
We welcome volunteers ages 18+ of all skill levels to participate. Due to the scope and scale of this event, volunteering is limited to groups (Site Leaders/Pro bono volunteers are an exception).
SITE TEAMS
Groups of volunteers match with a veteran and complete work at their home on event day. Site teams require a Team Leader to be the main contact between their team and United Way. Groups can range in size from six volunteers to 20. Site teams must commit to a full or half-day site. Volunteer groups who sign up receive priority if they sponsor a home.
SKILLED/PRO-BONO SUPPORT
These volunteers would like to apply their skills to specific home projects. Skills we need include gardening, construction, and carpentry.
OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT
We’ll be using a wide variety of tools, materials, and equipment to make these projects happen. If your company or organization would like to contribute financially or donate items in-kind (including equipment lending), don't hesitate to get in touch with our Volunteer Center.
faqS
VETERANS
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Services are free for selected veterans and their families.
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We’ll contact you regarding eligibility and next steps no later than April 5. If selected, we’ll schedule an initial site visit to verify project needs.
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Veterans and their families are welcome, but not required, to participate in projects. We require veterans or a representative (e.g., family member, friend, case worker, etc.) to be at the home on event day.
Nominators are welcome to participate in projects or simply spend time with your nominee.
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There are local agencies that provide these services and may be able to help meet your needs. Call 2-1-1 or visit hwmuw.org/211 to connect with a local Information & Referral Specialist.
VOLUNTEERS
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Because this program has costs associated with it, we encourage groups to consider sponsoring a home or lending tools to help keep costs down. For example, volunteers could bring rakes with them on event day. Otherwise, there’s no cost for volunteers.
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While some of our events are an opportunity for first-time volunteers to make an impact in an hour or two, Operation United is different. For this meaningful and unique all-day volunteer experience, we’ll match you with a project that best fits your group and provide all the details you need, including home address, info about the veteran and/or their family, site photos, and scope of work. If a member of your team has experience in minor home repair, yardwork, and/or landscaping, they can serve as a Site Leader for your project.
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Our Volunteer Center will reach out to you whether or not you have been matched with a project by mid-April.
