A variety of locations within Jefferson and Berkeley counties were recipients of volunteer assistance during the United Way’s annual Day of Caring on Tuesday.

A kickoff breakfast was provided before nearly 1,200 volunteers hit the street to work on and complete nearly 70 projects in the 20th year of the Caring event.

Volunteers did everything from paint to weed garden beds for businesses, daycares, parks and other entities selected by United Way staffers to receive help. Cleanup of area parks took place in both counties as Berkeley and Jefferson parks and recreation departments reaped the benefits of much hard work.

In addition to the projects done around the area, the Day of Caring included a Mega Food Drive that has been ongoing for weeks. Different organizations in the two counties have gathered food for local food pantries, all of which was delivered Tuesday. According to final tallies shared at the day’s closing event held at The Hospice of the Panhandle, approximately 1,100 pounds of food were collected. Competitions between collection sites at local schools had Martinsburg High School come out victorious with 1,200 pounds collected.

The Food Pantries offer assistance to those in the area in need of food items. Shelves are stocked with canned goods, soaps, laundry detergent and much more.

While the goal for this year’s drive had been set at 20,000 pounds, the donations will help stock the shelves of the Pantry for many in need in the area.

West Virginia’s First Lady Joanne Tomblin was the featured speaker at the day’s closing dinner. She thanked all of the volunteers for their work and praised individuals around the state for their compassion and sense of community.