More than 200 volunteers, including local Comcast employees, will complete a wide variety of service projects at the Robert and Joan Lee Boys & Girls Club, located at 920 Gulfcoast Blvd. in Venice, for the 16th annual Comcast Cares Day on Saturday, April 22, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Comcast Cares Day is a celebration of the company’s year-round commitment to service, and has grown to become the nation’s largest single-day corporate volunteer event. Since 2001, more than 800,000 Comcast employees, their friends, family members and community partners have volunteered nearly 5 million service hours at more than 7,700 projects in communities across the United States and around the world.
This year, Comcast expects more than 100,000 volunteers to participate in approximately 900 projects across the country and around the world, including the Robert and Joan Lee Boys & Girls Club in Venice.
"Comcast is an incredible partner of ours that helps us ensure success is within reach of every young person we serve,” said Bill Sadlo, President/CEO at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. “While we’re thrilled to be a part of Comcast Cares Day, we are also so fortunate to have the company’s support throughout the year to create positive change in the lives of the children we serve from teaching them digital literacy skills to providing mentorship opportunities.“
On Comcast Cares Day, the volunteers will divide into groups to complete an array of projects at the Robert and Joan Lee Boys & Girls Club including outside beautification in the Club’s garden; pressure washing the building; painting, sanitizing and organizing the Club’s classrooms and gymnasium; and revitalizing the Club’s art room.
“Hundreds of local youth come to the Robert and Joan Lee Boys & Girls Club each day for high-quality educational and recreational programs,” said Sadlo. “Because of the work being done by these volunteers, these children can learn, play and grow into their full potential in a safe, secure and welcoming facility.”
The Comcast Foundation will also provide grants to the Robert and Joan Lee Boys & Girls Club on behalf of everyone who volunteers at least two hours on Comcast Cares Day. The grants will help Comcast’s community partners continue their mission of serving the community throughout the year. To date, the Comcast Foundation has awarded more than $20 million in grants to nonprofit organizations who have served as partners on Comcast Cares Day.
Tools, supplies, t-shirts, refreshments and lunch by Boar’s Head will be provided to all volunteers.
