September 11th is the day United Way calls a Day of Caring. People, companies, colleges, and others gather to provide service in their local community. I was asked to volunteer some time to help document the hard work of these volunteers.
Signing up volunteers from local colleges and companies including BYU and Nu Skin
To kick things off there was a volunteer breakfast with pancakes, sausage, and eggs for those involved. The UVU Green Man Group was on hand to provide some entertainment and get people pumped up in the early morning hours. Nu Skin opened up their southern open field to the people to gather and eat. Breakfast was prepared by the mayor of Provo, several company owners, and even the president of UVU.
UVU Green Man Group play drums for the volunteers
The UVU Green Man Group plays drums and breakdances. I’ve been to one UVU basketball game and they are there getting people excited.
UVU Green Man Group perform some breakdancing
There was a host of service projects. I was going to an elementary school in Orem to photograph volunteers reading and teaching students in several grades and classes.
Volunteers look at possible service projects on the Day of Caring
Community leaders including a Provo mayor, CEOs, and president of UVU
A view from above as breakfast is made fresh and served to volunteers
Overlooking the volunteers enjoying a breakfast before a day of service
And since it is September 11th there was a color guard on hand to present the nation’s colors and memorialize the events of 9-11. Never forget.
The Color Guard of police and fire department and emergency services
Speaking to the volunteers
I created a lot of photographs. Events have some much that can be photographed and I try to tell the whole story. This includes details, people, locations, signage, buildings, and multiple angles. It does require me to edit a bit after the fact and even if they just use 2 to 3 photographs for a story they have options.
Group photograph of Live United Volunteers
Volunteers at the elementary school pick up some packets
I haven’t been in an elementary school in forever! All the classrooms feel so small and there are a bunch of kids in each class. I do not envy the jobs of teachers.
Volunteers practice in the elementary school library before going to the classrooms
Volunteers for United Way’s Day of Caring teach elementary school students
It was a fun day! Thank you, volunteers!
Volunteers helps students with projects in school
