Greater Valdosta United Way (GVUW) brought together 140 volunteers on Friday, October 23, for its Fall Day of Caring, a community-wide service initiative connecting local businesses, organizations, and individuals with hands-on opportunities to support nonprofit partners and improve the communities they serve.

Beginning with a kickoff celebration at the Historic Lowndes County Courthouse, volunteers spread throughout Valdosta and Lowndes County to complete projects addressing a variety of community needs. From improving nonprofit facilities and organizing essential supplies to installing smoke alarms and supporting local families, volunteers demonstrated the power of neighbors helping neighbors.

“Day of Caring is a reminder that meaningful change happens when people come together to serve their community,” said Tia Mayes, Marketing and Development Director at Greater Valdosta United Way. “We are grateful for the 140 volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to these projects. Their efforts strengthen our nonprofit partners, support the people they serve, and demonstrate what is possible when we work together.”

GVUW coordinated eight service projects with local nonprofit organizations, providing volunteers with opportunities to make a direct and lasting impact.

Projects included partnering with the American Red Cross and the Valdosta Fire Department to install smoke alarms and share home fire preparedness information with residents; pressure washing the staff patio, cleaning picnic tables, and planting flowers at Legacy Behavioral Health; cleaning and stocking shelves at the Valdosta-Lowndes County Habitat for Humanity ReStore; and cleaning and organizing storage facilities for The Haven and GVUW, helping improve the organization of essential supplies.

Additional projects included painting the game room at the Boys & Girls Club of South Georgia, sorting and packing food for seniors, local schoolchildren, and families through Second Harvest of South Georgia, and improving the grounds of the Wisenbaker-Wells-Roberts House, recognized as Valdosta’s oldest home, through Historic Valdosta.

Each project addressed a specific need within the community, helping nonprofit organizations maintain welcoming facilities, improve operational efficiency, expand access to essential resources, and better serve individuals and families across the region.

Day of Caring is part of Greater Valdosta United Way’s ongoing commitment to mobilizing the caring power of the community. By connecting volunteers with organizations that provide critical services, GVUW helps strengthen the local nonprofit network and advance its impact areas, including Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency.

Through the Day of Caring events, GVUW creates opportunities for residents, businesses, and community partners to turn their commitment to service into meaningful action. These efforts reflect the belief that everyone has a role to play in building a stronger, more resilient South Georgia.