Wednesday, November 29, 2023

ICYMI: Registration Open for United Way Day of Caring

TowneBank employees cleaned up and beautified the areas around Hospice House and Support Care of Williamsburg in 2021. (United Way)

HAMPTON ROADS — The United Way of the Virginia Peninsula (UWVP) will hold its 2023 Day of Caring on Friday, Sept. 15, and registration for volunteers is now open.

UWVP’s Day of Caring is an annual event that sees hundreds of volunteers work on
projects to support nonprofit organizations throughout the region. UWVP says that not only do the agencies receive help to make improvements, but citizens gain a deeper awareness of the community’s local needs and how they can help to make a difference.

HRSD employees built a playground at the YMCA in 2019. (United Way)

“United Way has historically and still serves a role as a connecter in our community. We believe that all of us, no matter who or where we are, have something to give. And, what is more precious than our time? The Day of Caring is a long-standing tradition in our community and we are really excited for it to continue and continue to grow,” said Charvalla West, COO, Director of Community Impact.

“Post pandemic, the strains on nonprofits have been far beyond what any of us anticipated. The same staffing challenges that have happened in the corporate world are also happening in the nonprofit sector and most of us are so small, even not having one person in a role has had a devastating impact,” West continues, “Having volunteers have always been a part of nonprofit functions but now more than ever we need people who are willing to give their time and talents to help us serve people in our community.”

This year, there are more than 50 projects to which volunteers can contribute their skills
and time. Individuals or groups can register for projects that include painting, landscaping,
carpentry repairs, organizing/sorting, and more — something for everyone at every skill level.

“We are so very thankful for each and every volunteer, agency, sponsor and donor for supporting Day of Caring. It is because of your kindness that our community will be a better place to live and work for our friends and neighbors,” said Traci Snyder, Director of Volunteer Engagement and Corporate Liaison.

Ferguson Enterprises employee volunteers planted gardens with the children of Peake Childhood Center in 2022. (United Way)

Individuals can help on their own or rally a group of friends or co-workers to come out, there are many opportunities available in the Williamsburg area.

“For the Day of Caring, we have over 50 projects for the day with 582 volunteer opportunities, only 244 of those positions are currently filled. Volunteer registration will remain open until August 31. Most of those open opportunities are in the Williamsburg area,” Snyder said.

To register to volunteer, visit uwvp.org/day-of-caring. For more information, call the United
Way of the Virginia Peninsula at 757-229-2222.

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