Day of Caring
our community’s largest corporate volunteer event.
SEPTEMBER 10 | oTTAWA coUNTY
September 11 | Allegan County
September 13 | Kent County
Day of Caring is Heart of West Michigan United Way's annual county-wide service event. Every September, hundreds of employees from companies across West Michigan “report to work” at local nonprofit agencies to volunteer their time. This annual event helps nonprofit organizations get things done—projects they may not have the day-to-day capacity to do throughout the year.
Projects include meal preparation and food packing, painting, landscaping and yardwork, and event support.
how to get involved
Register your team
Register as a team with your coworkers and “report to work” at your assigned agency. Half-day and full-day projects will be available.
SubMit a volunteer opportunity
We’re looking for nonprofits with volunteer opportunities that will occur in both the morning and afternoon. Volunteer projects could include, but are not limited to, meal preparation and food packaging, painting, landscaping and yardwork, event support, kit assembling, and more.
FAQs
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We invite all companies and nonprofit organizations to participate in Day of Caring. However, preference for projects will go to companies who run an annual campaign.
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Once you register your organization, gather interest from your colleagues to volunteer, the Volunteer Center will send you a form to fill out to match you with a project.
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Project matching typically begins mid August. You’ll receive an email from the Volunteer Center to officially sign up your team once projects open. Keep in mind—all volunteer projects are important and help support a thriving community for all.
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You’ll receive a contact information sheet with your matched nonprofit site leader and Heart of West Michigan United Way staff who can assist you.
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Not necessarily. All agencies/nonprofits should provide any supplies you’ll need. You may need to bring additional household supplies like gloves, rakes, paintbrushes, etc. Connect with the site leader about supplies.
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For those who register, you will receive a free food truck lunch at the Boys and Girls Club in Grand Rapids on Friday, September 13th. Volunteers from all three counties are welcome to join us. We recommend company team leads bring any beverages or snacks you may need onsite.
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Michigan weather is unpredictable. If weather conditions prevent outdoor projects, the company team lead and nonprofit site leader will come up with an alternative plan for the project date.
COMPANIES
NONPROFITS/AGENCIES
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It depends on your organization’s needs. Examples of projects include, but are not limited to, yardwork, painting, landscaping, deep cleaning, disseminating flyers, supply/pantry organization, donation room sorting, constructing Little Free Libraries, delivering flowers or meals to home-bound neighbors, creating welcome kits for shelter guests, clerical or administrative projects, playing board games with seniors, reading to children, etc.
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You’ll receive your volunteer company name and team lead, as well as instructions on how to pull your volunteer list from Get Connected. You’ll be responsible for coordinating the project at your facility and communicating with your team.
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You should provide any materials needed to complete your project. You may ask your volunteer team to bring any additional supplies such as gloves, rakes, paintbrushes, etc. if you don’t have enough.
