Day of Caring Basics

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about Day of Caring .

What type of project should my organization host? The best projects are those that connect to your organization’s mission. Create a project centered on the work you do in the community and volunteers will see how they are giving their time and energy to a great organization making a difference in the community. See our list of projects that have connected well with the mission of the organization for ideas.

Can we host more than one project? Yes! You are more than welcome to host more than one project. Just be sure that you have enough meaningful work for the volunteers to accomplish and that you have the staff to support the volunteers while they are at your site.

How long do the projects need to last? Volunteers look for projects that last half a day and a full day, so consider both when planning your project.

Do the projects have to be within a certain geographic area? Projects should be based within the 40-town area of United Way. If you are interested in hosting a project outside of these 40 towns, please contact Day of Caring project manager Libby Richardson for approval.

How do I determine the number of volunteers I need to complete my project? You will estimate the number of volunteers needed based on the scope of your project, the amount of supplies you have, and how long it will take to complete the project. It is best if the project is complete when the volunteers leave.

Is transportation provided for the volunteers? Transportation to and from project sites is the responsibility of the volunteers. Providing accurate directions is important.

Do I need to provide food and refreshments for the volunteers? We recommend that organizations provide food and refreshments for volunteers. Depending on the amount of time your project spans, you may want to provide a light breakfast and lunch, along with snacks and refreshments throughout the day. If it is not feasible to provide food and refreshments, confer with the workplace coordinator to ensure volunteers will bring their own food and refreshments.

Can I ask for volunteers with special skills? Volunteers are not required to have special skills to participate. If your project requires special skills, be sure to indicate these in your project description on Volunteer Solutions.

Can I ask for volunteers to bring supplies to use at project sites? Volunteers can be asked to bring supplies that they may have at home or work, but should not be expected to purchase supplies to be used for projects. Examples of typically requested supplies are work gloves, rakes, paintbrushes, and power tools.

What happens if it rains? Some projects will happen, rain or shine. In some cases, the project will have to be canceled or rescheduled to another date. Please create an inclement weather plan and include it in your project description.

What types of workplaces will be joining me at my organization? Volunteers will come from a variety of workplaces in the 40 towns served by United Way. Please see our list of previously participating companies for a sample of workplaces who have participated in previous years.

Can I allow volunteers to interact with program participants at my project site? Yes, and we encourage you to do so! This provides a unique opportunity for volunteers to learn about your organization from those receiving your services. If clients can help with your project, they are welcome to participate, also.

How do I know who the contact person is from the workplace? The contact information for this person will be provided to you when the workplace chooses your project. It will be included in a confirmation email automatically generated from Volunteer Solutions. You may also review this information through your agency account on Volunteer Solutions.

What if I need to cancel my project at the last minute? If you need to cancel at the last minute, please be sure to contact the workplace coordinator as far in advance as possible. Please also contact the Day of Caring project manager so United Way can work to find a replacement project for the volunteers to complete.

Should I be thanking the volunteers who participate? Yes! See ideas from Day of Caring coordinators on how they recognize their volunteers by clicking here.

Who should participate from my organization? Everyone is welcome to participate. Consider inviting all staff, board members, clients and volunteers to join you.

What is the cost to participate in Day of Caring? It’s free!

What if my organization can’t participate on September 5^th? We are happy to work with your organization to arrange for volunteers to work at your location on a day other than September 5^th. Please email Day of Caring project manager Libby Richardson or call (860) 493-1109 to make these arrangements.

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