Arts and crafts, face painting and musical activities were the order of the day as a group of Hopkins volunteers participated Oct. 8 in the United Way's Day of Caring at the Lafayette Square Community Center.

This particular community center, located in West Baltimore, provides much-needed family-centered social activities and support services, such as day care, for the surrounding community.

Judy Peregoff, director of the Office of Faculty, Staff and Retiree Programs, says that the daylong event allowed the volunteers to see the real-life faces of those the United Way is trying to help. "It gives people an opportunity to give of their time and to see how this center is helping both these kids and the community," Peregoff said.

Puppetmeister Vicki Downer gets to know Kevin Diggs.

Joyce Mason and Dante Bazemore tackle the task of gluing eyes onto miniature pumpkins.

Isabel Jones tries her hand at face painting with Shanna Brooks.

Shanna Brooks and Travon Benson get some crafts assistance from Eden Blum, left, and Bob Sirota, JHU United Way campaign chair.

Judy Peregoff and Shanna Brooks--with her new face paint--check out some of the day's craft projects.