EDITORIAL
Day of Caring kicks off United Way drive

Beginning at 7:45 a.m. today, a gathering of community-minded friends, neighbors, businesses and other volunteers will show up at Geiger Park in 'Ewa Beach for a "Day of Caring."

In some ways, this is much like many other community volunteer activities in Hawai'i. Islanders are generous with their help, whether it is cleaning up a beach park, painting a neighbor's home or clearing and restoring mountain trails.

What makes today's Day of Caring a little different is that it is both the symbolic and actual kickoff for this year's Aloha United Way Community Campaign.

The goal this year is $13.2 million, which will go to support some 64 agencies and community partners involved with United Way.

But United Way is about much more than simply raising money and giving it to worthy charities and service organizations. It is fundamentally about community building, about enhancing and expanding the human capital that makes our Island society healthy.

And that's what today's Day of Caring is all about: community building. In a real, hands-on way, volunteers will experience the satisfaction of direct community building.

If you can get out to Geiger Park on Geiger Road this morning, even for an hour or two, you'll find it a rewarding experience.

If you can't, pay attention and give generously as the United Way campaign gets under way at your school, workplace or wherever.

Whatever you give, you will get back tenfold in pleasure, satisfaction and healthy community.