News Taffy | Searcy, AR

News Taffy

News Article

14th Annual A Day of Caring Serves Community

Jul 30, 2010
More than 1,100 members of the community were helped at the 14th Annual A Day of Caring on Saturday, July 24.

A Day of Caring is coordinated by White County Medical Center as part of its mission to meet the healthcare needs for those in the community who are uninsured or underinsured. For the past 14 years, WCMC has held A Day of Caring at the Ganus Athletic Center on the Harding University campus.

This year, more than 430 volunteers from WCMC and the community united to help with the outreach event. Also, 27 local organizations set up booths to provide educational materials to participants on health and social services.

Physicians, dentists, an eye doctor and pharmacy from the local medical community donated their time and services on Saturday to see patients. As a result, 94 medical exams, 205 dental screenings and 99 eye screenings were performed and 74 prescriptions were filled. Pap exams, prostate screenings and blood sugar checks were also given.

A total of 519 bags of school supplies were given to children present. Hair stylists gave 109 haircuts, 388 bags of groceries were distributed and 734 Bibles were given out to participants. Other items given out included diapers and wipes, personal care products, socks and underwear. Also, the Junior Auxiliary of Searcy distributed lunches to each participant and volunteers.

“We are always amazed at the remarkable turnout of volunteers and sponsors,” WCMC President and CEO Ray Montgomery said. “The spirit of volunteerism in our community is tremendous, and our hospital is proud to be part of a community that cares for its neighbors. Thank you to each volunteer and sponsor who had a part in A Day of Caring.”

The 2010 A Day of Caring was sponsored by the following: ARAMARK, Arthur’s Beauty College, ASU-Beebe/ASU-Searcy, CARTI, Chesapeake Energy, Cool 104, Covenant Fellowship, Crain Media, Daily Citizen, Family Practice Associates, First Community Bank, First Security Bank, First Southern Bank, First United Methodist Church Thrift Shop, Harding University, Liberty Bank, Mayfair Solutions, Medical Center Pharmacy, NorthStar EMS, Pepsi/Doublebee’s, Regions Bank, Sam’s Club Distribution Center 8234, Searcy Medical Center, Searcy Radio Group, Three Rivers Edition, Walmart Distribution Center 6003, Walmart Supercenter, White County Community Foundation, White County Medical Center and the WCMC Auxiliary.

The 17th Annual Shots for Tots and Teens was held in conjunction with A Day of Caring, as 19 immunizations were given. Sponsored by ASU/Searcy, Harding University School of Nursing, Junior Auxiliary of Searcy, Searcy Kiwanis Club, Searcy Optimist Club, Searcy Rotary Club, White County Health Department and White County Medical Center.

2010 A Day of Caring Photo 1: Young participants at A Day of Caring pose for a picture wearing their future nurse and future doctor hats given at the White County Medical Center booth.

2010 A Day of Caring Photo 2: White County Medical Center Healthworks nurse Kimberly Whitney, LPN, drew blood from A Day of Caring participant.

2010 A Day of Caring Photo 3: More than 430 volunteers united to help their uninsured and underinsured neighbors at the 2010 A Day of Caring. Thanks to local businesses, organizations, churches and individuals, over 1,100 participants received free healthcare and other services at the outreach event.

2010 A Day of Caring Photo 4: Searcy Mayor Belinda LaForce volunteered to give socks to children along with other members of the Searcy Rotary Club.

2010 A Day of Caring Photo 5: Reva Neideck with The White House salon in Searcy gave numerous haircuts to adults and children who attended A Day of Caring.