United Way for Southeastern Michigan

For many of us, making a long-term commitment to volunteer can be an overwhelming task. I know from personal experience that it can be a struggle even to spend an hour or two volunteering when your days are full of work, appointments, getting fit and having a social life.

That's one of the many reasons I am proud that Panera Bread of Southeast Michigan (a client of mine at my PR agency) has teamed up with United Way to encourage us all to take the time to give back to our community. The program we've developed together is called "Impact Your Neighborhood," and is a regional initiative aiming to build stronger communities. The program offers one-time volunteer projects mostly on Saturdays throughout the year. We are in our third year and have grown immensely -- from only 3 projects to 10 this year!

Here's how the program works:

Prior to each volunteer project, a designated Panera Bread location will host breakfast and an informational session for volunteers. Volunteers will also receive a complimentary T-Shirt and a Panera Bread catered lunch upon project completion.

So you have the opportunity for FREE food, a FREE shirt and you're making a difference. It doesn't get much better than that! This year, we are coming to new communities and couldn't be more thrilled. And, we have the opportunity to kick-off on one of the most inspirational days of the year -- Martin Luther King Day!

I hope you will take the time to give back. Now, more than ever, it's time to make an IMPACT.

Visit this link for more information and to sign-up for a project: http://volunteer.united-e-way.org/uwsem/user/events/one.tcl?event_id=10303880419 Space is limited - be sure to sign-up soon!