This past Friday, Greater Valdosta United Way hosted its semiannual Day of Caring, an event that organizes volunteers to take part in service projects at nonprofit organizations.

The event began with a Kickoff Breakfast at Unity Park Amphitheater, where Mayor Scott James Matheson hosted his radio talk show, Talk 92.1. Over 100 volunteers, GVUW Board Members, nonprofit leaders, and businesses attended the kickoff to have breakfast and network before dispersing to their locations.

"I always look forward to the Day of Caring because it offers the opportunity to make a real difference and learn firsthand about the GVUW’s partner nonprofits," said Kara Hope Hanson, SGMC marketing and public relations specialist and board member at the GVUW. "Our community is a better place because of the caring power of the dedicated organizations and volunteers that participate in the DOC."

Over 160 volunteers registered to participate in the Day of Caring. Projects were scattered across 16 locations throughout three counties, benefiting 14 of GVUW’s partner nonprofit organizations.

Volunteers completed projects that included setting up a children’s library at the Youth Impact Center, revamping the landscape of the Children’s Advocacy Center, packing food boxes at Second Harvest of South Georgia, and painting at the Boys and Girls Club of Douglas.

"The Spring Day of Caring was particularly impactful for Second Harvest this year because it fell the week after our Stamp Out Hunger event," said Eliza McCall, chief programming director at Second Harvest of South Georgia. "Volunteers sorted almost 15,000 meals worth of food drive proceeds. With their help, we have a jumpstart on replenishing our shelves ahead of the increased summer demand."

GVUW hosts Day of Caring twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall.

"Spring Day of Caring was a huge success. We enjoy hosting this event, and we are in awe of how our community members step up to support the nonprofits providing critical community services," said the Community Impact Director at GVUW, Susan Nebel. "This event would not be possible without them."

 The mission of Greater Valdosta United Way is to improve people’s lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community. The focus is on advancing the common good by investing in education, income, and health- the building blocks for a good quality of life and a strong community. For more information on the organization, please visit its website at unitedwayvaldosta.org.