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On Wednesday, the United Way of West Georgia, Inc. hosted its second annual Day of Caring. This year the event welcomed volunteers from the American Red Cross, Hills and Dales, Callaway Foundation, Community Bank and Trust and more for a day dedicated to lending a hand to those in need.

Patty Youngblood, president of the United Way of West Georgia, said this year’s Day of Caring was centered around helping United Way partner agencies with various projects inside and outside.

Connie Askew, a volunteer, said her group went to Warren Temple Baptist Church and gave out free books.

“We had lots of people to talk and administer to today,” Askew said. “It was great, and I enjoyed it very much.”

At worksites Maidee Smith Early Care and Learning Center, LaGrange Active Life and Success by 6, volunteers helped with cleaning and organizing needs.

“Most of our agencies work with limited staff, so if you don’t have time to handle something, you put it in a room,” Youngblood said. “There are a lot of places that need organization, and we’re glad to have some volunteers that are willing to help out.”

Gail Gordon, Success by 6 coordinator, said some of the volunteers really enjoyed the opportunity to read to children at Head Start McGreggor.

During the day, a dedication for a new Little Free Library was held in honor of Chief Lou Dekmar and Sheriff James Woodruff who spoke at this year’s United Way Kickoff.

The little library was built by Captain Mike Pheil of the LaGrange Police Department.

“Mike built one last year and enjoyed it so much,” Youngblood said.” We put that one in at Calumet Park. He was so thrilled that we let him put the books in it.”

Youngblood said Sharon Alford, her successor when she retires in December, got together with the Maidee Smith Early Care and Learning Center and had the children there put their handprints on the little library.

The little library can be found at Moss and Wood Park on Hamilton Rd.