The Greater Valdosta United Way (GVUW) proudly hosted its 2025 Fall Day of Caring on Friday, October 24, 2025, bringing together more than 160 volunteers from across South Georgia to complete seven community service projects in a single morning. From painting and organizing to building and beautifying, volunteers from local businesses, organizations, and schools joined forces to make a lasting difference in the community.

Volunteers represented all ages and walks of life, including some of the community’s youngest helpers, from J.L. Lomax Elementary’s Jr. Fire Marshal Program, who enthusiastically joined the effort to lend a hand. Their participation was a reminder that it’s never too early to learn the value of service and teamwork.

The projects completed during the Fall Day of Caring supported a variety of local nonprofit partners and community spaces, helping organizations focus on their missions while knowing their facilities and needs are cared for by dedicated volunteers.

According to Independent Sector’s national estimate, volunteer time is valued at $33.49 per hour, meaning the 160 volunteers who served during GVUW’s Fall Day of Caring contributed more than $21,000 in community impact.

“Days like today show the true power of community,” said Susan Nebel, Community Impact Director at GVUW. “This incredible effort made this year’s event a celebration of what it means to Advocate. Give. Volunteer.”

“We are thankful for all the volunteers who have given their time,” said Michael Smith, GVUW CEO and President. “We were blessed with wonderful weather to work on these impactful projects. It was exciting to see everyone out serving, connecting, and learning about the missions and goals of some of our critical local nonprofits.”

Greater Valdosta United Way extends heartfelt gratitude to all who made the day possible, including sponsors Red Owl, Wawa, Black Crow Media, and  Smalltown Broadcasting for their generous donations, as well as the following partners and participants

American Red Cross, Babies Can't Wait, BankSouth Mortgage, Beautiful Creations by Chanel, CASA of Lowndes and Echols Counties, Inc., Change for Prosperity, COV, Goodwill Industries Southern Rivers, H.O.P.E. In Action South Georgia, Hallmark Marketing, Home Depot, J & E Trading LLC, J.L. Lomax Elementary, Kimberly Hines, Krochet Krazy, Lowndes County, Luk At Me Now Inc, Miller Hardware, Moody AFB, Platinum Roofing, RE/MAX Town & Country, SGMC, Southeast Capital Investment Group, Southeastern Credit Union, The Division of Family and Children Services, Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, Wakefield Biochar, and Wild Adventures.

As GVUW looks ahead to 2026, the community is invited to continue making a difference through the United We Thrive campaign. You can Give. Advocate. Volunteer., Every action strengthens South Georgia, supports local nonprofits, and helps build lasting change. To get involved, visit www.unitedwayvaldosta.org TODAY.