Local volunteers pitched in for a good cause Thursday as part of the United Way Day of Caring.
The annual nationwide event prompted volunteers to assist people and non-profit agencies in projects around Frankfort.
"It's a pretty neat way to get people involved and help the community," said Randy Roberts, Executive Director of United Way of Franklin County.
Despite rainy weather, four community service projects took place at various United Way sponsored agencies. It has partnered with 21 local not-for-profit agencies, providing them financial support as well as help with projects.
Chairman of the Volunteer Committee Tommy Haynes said the rain only delayed some of the projects.
"It's going to be days of caring instead of day of caring," Haynes said.
Demolishing the bleachers at Sower Football Field and repairing a sandbox at PUSH, the early childhood development center, were some projects canceled due to the weather, Roberts said.
The outdoor projects will be rescheduled and take place in three to four weeks, giving volunteers time to clear their schedules, Haynes said.
More than 80 volunteers will take part in the Day of Caring this year, according to United Way Office Manager Becky Bryant.
Haynes said he is not surprised by the large turnout of volunteers.
"People are just in a giving mode because everybody is going through a hard time with gas prices and everything else," Haynes said. "(Volunteers) feel good doing the work and I know the people receiving the work feel good."
At the Capital House, a day treatment program for the mentally ill, volunteers applied a new coat of bright colored paint.
Capital House Director Terry Werner said she wanted to make the atmosphere more cheerful for their clients.
"We are thrilled, we are so grateful," Werner said. "(The project) improves the environment for the clients of Capital House, Its just a great experience."
Former United Way President Lou Allegra, who helped with the painting, said it's clear why people volunteer.
"It's just a way for those of us who are reasonably fortunate to provide service to those who are less fortunate," Allegra said.
"It's no more complicated than that."
Other projects included cleaning the apartment of a senior citizen, cleaning CPR mannequins at the Franklin County Chapter of the American Red Cross and planting flowerbeds at the Golden Living Center.
The United Way also campaigns every fall to raise money for the agencies it sponsors. Approximately $700,000 is raised each year through the campaign, Allegra said.
Support from the Frankfort community drives the United Way projects, Roberts said.
"We can't go wrong. We've got a really good, strong team and a community that cares," Roberts said.