[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 16 (Thursday, February 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E243-E244]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN COMMEMORATION OF THE LAST SUNDAY IN FEBRUARY AS A NATIONAL DAY OF 
                                 CARING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID L. HOBSON

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 26, 1998

  Mr. HOBSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to commemorate the 
last Sunday in February as a National Day of Caring. This day is set 
aside for communities to show concern for those among them who are 
homeless and to call attention to the additive effect of individuals in 
alleviating the suffering of people in need. Since 1991, residents of 
Ohio's Miami Valley have come together and offered a variety of ways to 
serve those less fortunate on the Day of Caring. My colleague, 
Representative Tony Hall, and I personally have been long-time 
participants and co-chairmen of this important day. I am proud to have 
had the opportunity on five occasions to join in by cooking pancakes at 
the annual Day of Caring Kickoff Breakfast alongside other concerned 
Miami Valley residents.
  Over the past seven years, the Day of Caring has been a tremendous 
success. Thousands of area residents have participated. In all, over 
$110,000 has been raised for donations to area organizations that serve 
the needy. Additionally, The Day of Caring provides an opportunity to 
acknowledge those who combat the problems that plague the hungry and 
the homeless. It promotes many of the area organizations whose primary 
mission is to address the needs of those less fortunate. Local 
affiliations of organizations such as the United Way, Hospice, Aim for 
the Handicapped, the Red Cross, and Habitat for Humanity individually 
sponsor events. Volunteers from the Franciscan Medical Center, The Good 
Neighbor House, The Girl Scout Council, and the Mad River Lion's Club 
also participate. The Day of Caring truly celebrates the spirit of 
volunteerism that is alive and well in the Miami Valley.
  This past Sunday, February 22, 1998, was this year's Day of Caring. 
Nearly 1,000 volunteers kicked off the day with the Day of Caring 
Pancake Brunch at seventeen different locations in the Miami Valley. 
Two locations offered over 500 free brunches for the hungry and 
homeless. Fifteen sites served over 7,000

[[Page E244]]

pancake and sausage breakfasts in an annual fundraising effort. 
Congregations of all denominations and organizations participated in 
raising funds this year for the Emergency Housing Coalition and the 
Hunger Coalition.
  The factors that contribute to homelessness, such as joblessness, 
financial distress, chemical dependency, mental illness, and domestic 
violence are immensely complicated. Concerns about providing adequate 
health care and education for those in need weigh heavily on the minds 
of many. While these problems will not be solved quickly or easily, The 
Day of Caring highlights that a ground-swell of concern by our 
communities really can make a difference. The dream of the first Day of 
Caring Committee was to bring communities together under the common 
thread of caring and giving of time, talent, and support. It is 
certainly realized every year on the last Sunday in February in the 
Miami Valley. I would be wonderful if other communities might also 
follow the Miami Valley's lead and participate in their own local 
activities next year on the Day of Caring.

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