Greater Valdosta United Way rallied volunteers to take action and create meaningful impact throughout the community on May 15, 2026, for its Spring Day of Caring, a bi-annual event that unites neighbors to pitch in and create positive change across Valdosta and Lowndes County.

Traditionally held as part of United Way’s broader Day of Action efforts, this event invites volunteers of all ages to come together to help improve the community we all call home. Volunteers joined Greater Valdosta United Way (GVUW) to support local nonprofits through hands-on service projects ranging from facility improvements to supply organization and beautification efforts. It’s part of United Way’s year-round commitment to mobilizing communities so all can thrive.

“Day of Caring is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together,” said Tia Mayes, Marketing and Development Director at GVUW. “By connecting volunteers with meaningful service opportunities, we are strengthening local nonprofits and directly improving the lives of our neighbors. High volunteer turnout ensures we can meet critical needs across our community.”

GVUW coordinated a variety of meaningful volunteer activities across multiple nonprofit partner sites. Projects included assembling food boxes and sorting donations at Second Harvest of South Georgia; painting hallways at Legacy Behavioral Health; assisting with projects at the Valdosta-Lowndes County Habitat for Humanity ReStore; painting and facility improvements at The Haven’s Sexual Assault Center; and enhancing spaces at the Boys & Girls Club of South Georgia Teen Center. Many of these projects involve painting, organizing, and light to moderate physical activity, and volunteers are encouraged to wear appropriate attire such as closed-toe shoes and paint-friendly clothing.

These efforts are part of Greater Valdosta United Way’s work to strengthen health, education, and financial stability across the region by supporting nonprofit partners that provide critical services to individuals and families. By improving facilities and increasing capacity, volunteers help these organizations better serve those in need.

Through Day of Caring and year-round initiatives, Greater Valdosta United Way is working to ensure that local nonprofits have the resources and support necessary to meet growing community needs, whether that means expanding access to food, improving mental health services, providing safe shelter, or creating positive spaces for youth development.

GVUW extends sincere thanks to the businesses and community partners whose generous support, sponsorship, and volunteer participation made this year’s Spring Day of Caring possible. Special appreciation goes to Wawa, Ace Electric, Red Owl, and Raising Cane’s for their sponsorship of this important community initiative. Additional thanks goes to Miller Hardware, Citizens Community Bank, Moody Air Force Base, VSU Foundation, Hallmark, American Red Cross, Babies Can’t Wait, Boys & Girls Club, Brightside Health, CASA of Lowndes & Echols County, Corteva, CSW Advisory Services and Palm Travel Group, Goodwill Industries Southern Rivers, Gracefully Grown, IDP Housing, the Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority, JTI, Lowndes County, Platinum Roofing, RE/MAX Town & Country, SGMC Health, and Coca-Cola United. Their commitment to service reflects the spirit of collaboration that strengthens our community and helps create lasting impact across South Georgia.