by Trevor Sturgess

Businesses have chosen today - so-called Blue Monday and apparently the most depressing day of the year - to launch an appeal for volunteers to cheer people up this summer.

Business in the Community (BITC) has unveiled the 2010 Give & Gain Day, the UK’s biggest employee volunteering day. However, it has revealed that so far no Kent or Medway business is involved.

On Friday, July 9, thousands of workers are expected to give up a day at the office, store or factory to assist in community.

Organisers hope to attract more businesses willing to join in the day. More than 40 towns and cities are already signed up - but Kent and Medway are absent from the list.

BITC bosses are hoping the county will not be on the sidelines and appeal to local organisers and firms to get involved.

The big day "which promises to be a lot of fun" will see thousands of volunteers help out on projects as diverse as school garden schemes, cooking clubs, job hunting advice, football coaching and fire safety.

Last year’s special day in June attracted some 4,300 employee volunteers nationwide, but just 135 from 15 south east businesses.

Bryan Hughes, chief executive of Eversheds, said: "Give & Gain Day 2010 is the chance for companies to show that they are really committed to their communities and give their employees the opportunity to have fun, feel good and help change lives for the better."

Stephen Howard, BITC chief executive, added: "We want UK companies, big and small, to offer their employees the chance to volunteer on July 9. It’s simple to get involved, it’s fun, but above all it makes employees feel great, and enhances their skills. It also gives communities the boost that they need during these tough times and can be the catalyst or cement in lasting relationships between them and local companies."

Registration details at www.bitc.org.uk/giveandgainday