SEATTLE- Focusing on its work through the Community Safety Net Fund, United Way of King County will kick off its 2005-2006 annual community impact campaign on Day of Caring, to be held Friday, Sept. 16. Some 6,000 volunteers from more than 100 companies will work on about 300 community service projects across King County.

Day of Caring, the largest single-day mobilization of volunteers in Washington state, has become an annual tradition in King County as companies and their employees will volunteer some $620,000 worth of labor to county nonprofits.

While the projects will address a breadth of social issues, many are dedicated to United Way of King County's priorities of getting kids ready for school and ending homelessness. Day of Caring also highlights year-round volunteering done by tens of thousands in King County, and has been officially recognized by the King County Council.

The day will begin at 9 a.m. at worksites across King County, and Microsoft, Puget Sound Energy and Washington Mutual are the lead sponsors for this year's event. United Way of King County 2005-2006 Campaign Chair Peter Horvitz and President/CEO Jon Fine and will make stops at several sites to help volunteers make King County stronger. Horvitz is the president and publisher of Horvitz Newspapers Inc., which included the King County Journal.

"I'm thrilled to lead this year's United Way of King County campaign," Horvitz said. "I've always been amazed by King County's generosity, whether it be people giving their time or their money. We live in an incredible community that always steps up to the task when needed and Day of Caring will be a great showcase of that generosity."

Day of Caring is the official kickoff of United Way of King County's fundraising campaign, which has a goal of raising $44.6 million for the Community Safety Net Fund.

"In addition to volunteering, United Way of King County helps solve problems through the Community Safety Net Fund. The Fund is one of the tools used by United Way of King County to identify issues, invest in solutions and improve lives," said United Way of King County President/CEO Jon Fine. "Day of Caring is a great time for the community to commit to ending homelessness and getting kids ready for school."

Joining Microsoft, Puget Sound Energy and Washington Mutual as sponsors for Day of Caring are Safeco and Macy's.

United Way of King County is a nonprofit community-impact organization supporting King County since 1921. Through the Community Safety Net Fund, United Way of King County assesses needs through data-driven research to address the community's most pressing priorities, which include ending homelessness and ensuring all children are prepared for success when entering kindergarten. An all-volunteer board of directors governs United Way of King County, and several hundred other community volunteers provide direction for programs and activities. A professional staff supports all efforts. For more information, please visit unitedwayofkingcounty.org.