Information for Workplaces

We know you really want to make a difference in the community in which you live and work. United Way’s Day of Caring is the area’s largest volunteer event: last year, more than 4,200 volunteers gave their time and talent to 150 nonprofit organizations in our 40-town area. Our community’s spirit and generosity is apparent on this day each year as volunteers complete projects which enhance the work nonprofit organizations do in our community.

The 17^th Annual Day of Caring will be held this year on Friday, September 5^th and new changes are in store for nonprofit organizations and workplaces. We are pleased to announce the implementation of a new online registration system that will allow organizations to list projects online and will allow workplace coordinators, or employees themselves, to select projects. While early planning is always critical to our success, it is especially important this year so we can ensure all coordinators are ready for these new and exciting changes.

September 5^th is also the day when we kick-off the United Way Community Campaign. For more than 80 years, the United Way Community Campaign has been raising the funds needed to address underlying conditions to improve lives. We are not focused just on immediate needs but on real, lasting change. That’s why giving matters. Thousands of lives are changed for the better with contributions through the United Way Community Campaign and through volunteer efforts on Day of Caring and year-round.

Below is information we think you will find beneficial in planning your Day of Caring experience, from choosing a project to complete, to preparing for Day of Caring, to promoting the work your employees have completed in the community. Please share this information with others who will be planning this day with you.

We hope Day of Caring will be a wonderful day for your employees.

NEW! Online Project Selection for Workplaces: Coming soon!

If you’re new to Day of Caring, please read the Day of Caring Basics.  This is also a great refresher for returning Day of Caring coordinators, too.

 Click here for the Day of Caring Volunteer Release Form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should my workplace participate in Day of Caring? How will we benefit, other than completing a project or two?

• Studies show that the benefits of volunteering include a bolstering of team spirit among participating employees, increased company morale, increased exposure in the community, and a greater understanding of how the commitment of time and money makes a difference. Build relationships with local organizations, learn more about the issues affecting people in your community, and promote volunteerism within your workplace. For more reasons why you should participate, click here.

What workplaces have participated in the past?  Here is a list of our 2006 and 2007 participating workplaces.

What agencies have participated in the past?  Here is a list of our 2006 and 2007 participating organizations.

What do past workplace coordinators and volunteers have to say about Day of Caring?

• “I thought the Day of Caring event and the pre-planning was superb. Thank you for making it so easy for us to give something back to our community. We all feel great for participating.” Read more comments from past workplace coordinators by clicking here.

What kinds of projects are available for our employees to participate in on Day of Caring?

• For 16 years, volunteers have completed great projects of all kinds at a variety of organizations. Click here for a sample of projects that have been completed in the past.

How do I get my employees involved?

• Learn about managing your large team, release time, recruiting volunteers, and more through these tried and true methods recommended by experienced workplace coordinators. Use the customizable Volunteer Interest Form to gauge the interest of your employees.

What do I do to prepare for Day of Caring? How do I help my employees prepare for Day of Caring?

• Effective communication between organization and workplace coordinators makes for a productive and fun day, and happy volunteers. Follow this checklist to make Day of Caring a success for your workplace volunteers.

• To help your employees prepare, follow this list of suggested preparations.

What happens on Day of Caring?

• This is what your volunteers can expect when the day finally arrives.

Will our employees be recognized for their efforts? How can we as an employer recognize our employees?

• Recognize your volunteers for their efforts and help us evaluate the experience for next year using these great ideas.

Can I tell the media about what we’re doing? How else can I publicize the efforts of our employees?

• Don't miss the opportunity to get your workplace’s name out in the community. Here is how Day of Caring is publicized, and how you can showcase your employees’ efforts.

Day of Caring Planning Timeline

• Mark your calendar with all of the important Day of Caring dates, including the all-important volunteer registration deadline!

Are you interested in being a Day of Caring sponsor?

• Please call (860) 493-6827 to speak with one of our staff members about the benefits of Day of Caring sponsorship for your workplace.

If you have any further questions, please email Day of Caring project manager Libby Richardson or call (860) 493-1109.