Approximately 50 Microsoft employees gathered at Lake Wilderness Arboretum on Friday, Sept. 19 for the annual United Way Day of Caring event.

The volunteers lent a hand on garden and forest projects led by Garden Manager Susan Goodell, volunteers Lynnette Case, Colby Collier, Bill Paine and Bob Dunning, board members, interns and staff.

“The United Way Day of Caring is a great way to help out local non-profits, and have fun, too,” says Noel Paterson, President of Lake Wilderness Arboretum Foundation.

This year’s work party graveled all the paths at the West end of the Arboretum and accomplished weeding, cleaning brush and chipping in the Smith Mossman Western Azalea Garden.

“The day takes effort from many but the rewards are great,” Goodell says. “Both are projects we just can’t tackle without the extra help.”

Organized locally by United Way of King County, the event makes it possible for people to volunteer in special work groups that visit local non-profits, public schools and city parks for a day of service. Group leaders work with each organization on specific projects that volunteers accomplish by day’s end.

Visit LakeWildernessArboretum.org, email info@lakewildernessarboretum.org or call 253-293-5103 to volunteer, donate or become a member.