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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Imagine taking the day off work…to work.

That’s what many area businesses allowed their employees to do for the Annual Day of Caring, Sept. 8, in Ottumwa.

Hosted by United Way of Wapello County, it was the launch of the Annual Community Giving Campaign. Over 80 volunteers gathered at Quincy Place Mall at 8 a.m.

“Part of the United Way mission is to give, advocate and volunteer, said Executive Director Desiree Johnson. “Volunteerism is a really important part of building a community and community involvement, so this really provides an opportunity for the people to get involved on a normal work day. The companies that are involved today that are allowing their employees the opportunity to volunteer are really showing their support for United Way and our community by providing this opportunity for their employees.”

The Kiwanis Club kicked-off the day by serving a hot breakfast, including bacon and pancakes, to the volunteers. After breakfast Johnson rallied the troops and sent them out, with sack lunches, to work for over 13 non-profit organizations for the day.

“I work for John Deere Ottumwa Works and we have a volunteer thing for United Way, and this is my first year doing it,” said Volunteer Tami Akridge, who spent her day filling food boxes for the elderly. “We all get so busy in our lives that we don't think of others and this is one way that I can give back to people, and feel good about myself and help others, as well."

“[They’ll] provide services such as setting up databases, painting teen-activity rooms, doing some yard work and landscaping, creating props for floats...just really a big variety of really fun and interesting volunteer opportunities that are really going to help the non-profits out today," said Johnson.

“Figured I’d volunteer my time, help those that are less fortunate and just give back to the community that [has] given so much to me,” said Volunteer Traye Hindman, who spent the day cleaning out a barn for the Iowa Kids University.

This year’s event allowed volunteers to work until four p.m. After a request from last year’s volunteers to work longer on the Day of Caring, United Way gave volunteers a choice to stay for either a half-day, or a full-day.