More than 100 Pierce County students earned varsity letters in community service after tallying more than 25,000 hours of service during the year. Ten Pierce County school districts participated in the sixth year of this one-of-a-kind program where varsity letters, just like those given to athletes and musicians, are awarded for community service.

United Way of Pierce County held the Executive Day of Caring, Wednesday June 6. Executive Day of Caring connects executives and volunteers to service projects from throughout the county. Nearly 60 volunteers participated this year.

Executives spent the morning performing a number of projects for eight local agencies and nonprofit organizations. Some of the projects included planting flowers and hanging baskets with developmentally disabled individuals, helping build a transitional home and talking with students as they learn English as a second language.

Special thanks to all who participated!

Nearly 130 critical local programs will recieve funding as part of the 2007-2010 investment cycle. Gifts made to United Way of Pierce County's Community Solutions Fund are invested in the community through programs such as those provided by the Boys & Girls Clubs, American Red Cross and the YWCA.

A team of more than 50 local volunteers reviewed applications and conducted research to ensure investments were made where the community needed it most.