Various groups in Tamaqua came out in force Friday in celebration of the Schuylkill United Way Captain Jason B. Jones Day of Caring to help out the community.

Countywide, 217 volunteers were registered to help out in the fourth annual Jason B. Jones Day of Caring, with 575 elementary aged students chipping in as well from three area schools.

In Tamaqua, members of groups like Highwood, CARE group and others all pitched in to clean at the Salvation Army, the Railroad Street playground and Child Development Center, all with the aim to better the community.

“These organizations help give back to the community and also help save communal money through their volunteerism,” Schuylkill United Way Director of Community Relations Christine Johnson said.

“But it’s bigger than dollars and cents they save the community ... It’s about doing the small things that make a big difference in other’s lives.”

Tamaqua Salvation Army Pastor Major Sharon Whispell said the annual event — which has been going on since her start at the location nine years ago — is a huge help to her and the people she serves.

Volunteers at the Salvation Army spot engaged in various tasks. Things like rearranging the food pantry, putting items in bins and labeling, setting up a toddler’s play place area, preparing for kids carnivals and other general maintenance all serve to help those who use the Salvation Army’s services.

“It is a huge help for us. It sets the tone for our summer season and helps us track our programing that we offer,” Whispell said.

“When they come in, it can often look like a hurricane came through, but when they finish cleaning, I breathe a huge sigh of relief. The volunteers help me and others benefit from their generosity.”

Whispell said in just three programs alone — the “Older and Bolder,” exercise and youth programs — roughly 75 people will directly be affected by the organizational work that CARE helped provide.

But to the six members of CARE who volunteered, it was just another day of work for them, as they spend most of their time lending a hand to several other local businesses and organizations throughout Tamaqua.

“We treat it like a work environment at CARE,” CARE staff member Tamara Fenstemacher said. “Going and helping out the community gives our clients a sense of satisfaction — they can’t wait to share stories of all the hard work they put in.”

At the child center, 10 volunteers from Highwood lent a helping hand by cleaning and storing classroom equipment and supplies at the Tamaqua Child Development Center at 307 Pine St. They also helped organize trash as well.

Child Center Site Director Mary Lacher and Family Advocate Kate Lucey said the help comes as a relief to the teaching staff at the center and also serves as a shining example of what they try to teach kids at the center.

“We try to teach our kids to be team players and to help when they can — this is a perfect model for them and shows how to put that initiative into practice.”

The Child Development Center caters to a little over 60 kids age 3-5 from low-income families. The center is a federally funded nonprofit part of the Head Start program. This is the group’s third year participating in the Day of Caring.

At the Railroad Street park, several volunteers did some much needed cleaning of rubbish and painted park benches vibrant colors.

Park committee member Brandon Brode said the park is heavily used and work is not squandered there.

“This is a park everyone can use. I know of several people from all over town who come to use the (Railroad Street) park because it’s flat, safe and can be accessible by wheelchair and stroller,” Brode said.

“In fact, a lot of today’s volunteers come to this park. People don’t realize how all the small stuff like the trash, painting, raking leaves and just general maintenance adds up and how much volunteerism helps make places like these a great place for the community.”

Brode said the park is always looking for volunteer work and can be inquired about by calling the Tamaqua Borough office.

The Jason B. Jones Day of Caring is in its fourth year, though it had different monikers locally throughout its history, spanning well over two decades. The current name is in honor of fallen Iraq War soldier Jason B. Jones. Jones, a graduate of Blue Mountain and his family served Schuylkill county for years.

Though this is Johnson’s first Day of Caring event as director, she said she hopes volunteer turnout continues to grow as it did this year and also mentioned several other United Way events going on this summer.

“We have a lot of return volunteers and hope that continues. It’s through their support that we continue to thrive. I am truly amazed at how much people want to help the area continue to improve,” Johnson said.

“We serve as stewards to our communities and our volunteers prove themselves to be selfless role models for the next generation to look up to.”

Throughout the month of June, Schuylkill United Way is hosting its annual Stuff the Bus event, which benefits school-age kids get school supplies.

United Way is also hosting a high school football challenge on July 24 at Schuylkill Haven High School.

To see more Schuylkill United Way events, for more information or to volunteer, visit schuylkillunitedway.org or email Johnson at dircomrel@schuylkillunitedway.org.