When residents take up paintbrushes and leaf rakes at the United Way of Greater Williamsburg’s Day of Caring in September, they will be contributing to the work of local nonprofits for the rest of the year.
The annual program returns Sept. 19, during a season when many agencies are taking stock of their fundraising and organization needs, according to Liz Vestal, United Way’s initiatives manager.
“It’s a time when communities get together and become aware of what their needs are for the coming year,” Vestal said.
She took part in the event for the first time last year — not having been involved with United Way’s programs until starting work there just prior to the fall — and was blown away by the participation and enthusiasm from the community.
Last year, the Day of Caring had nearly 550 local participants. This year that number is expected to top 600, the most for any event in the program’s long tenure.
More than just one day of commitment, Vestal said the effort raises awareness for the nonprofits and other agencies that request projects to be completed during the event.
“We find that our volunteers start to build relationships, not only with the United Way but also with all these organizations that participate every year. … These relationships kind of form organically and I think benefit the whole community,” she said.
Most volunteers sign up as a team, with many come from local companies with a long history of service for the Day of Caring. Individuals are welcome to participate as well, and all volunteers can express a preference for a site or type of work.
The majority of the work has to be done outdoors — “which is great in the fall because the weather is usually nice,” Vestal said. In addition to lots of painting and lawn care, there are office assignments stuffing envelopes and performing other clerical tasks.
Volunteers can sign up through Sept. 5, but there is also still room for agencies to submit a project. Vestal said many are included year after year, with about 30 receiving assistance last year.
To sign up as a volunteer or agency, visit the United Way of Greater Williamsburg website. To learn more, call 253-2264.
