The United Way of Selma and Dallas County is preparing for a year full of activities, all of which give back to the community. During their regular meeting Wednesday, Jeff Cothran, executive director for the United Way Selma-Dallas County, said right now the organization is preparing for their annual Day of Caring, to be held Thursday, Sept. 19.

“It’s a day for the people in the community volunteer to work with one our partner agencies on a particular project,” explained Cothran. “It’s a day of caring — it could be picking up trash along the highway, anything that is community based and benefits Selma.”

In conjunction with a day designated to serve Selma and Dallas County, the Day of Caring will also serve as the United Way’s national kickoff. Cothran said in years past, the United Way has grilled out in front of the library and had small parades to celebrate the kick off, but recently they decided to do something that will benefit the community.

“This is the spirit of the United Way — to bring businesses together with our agencies to do a little project that these guys might not be able to get done during the year,” he said. “This is also a time for these agencies to show the people in the community what they’re doing and how the United Way is helping these agencies.”

Cahawba Mental Health and the Doc in a Bus program are just two organizations that will benefit from the Day of Caring.

And one of the best parts of the event, Cothran said, is it is completely free to participate. All you have to do is show up and be willing to volunteer, he said.

“This is a great way for people to just become more aware of what’s going on around here too — a lot of people have been here their whole lives and have no clue that we have a shelter for domestic violence victims or the Doc in a Bus program,” Cothran said. “I encourage the whole community to come out and participate in this — it’s be a lot of fun.”