Join us for Day of Caring on October 24, 2025!
Day of Caring is a community-wide initiative that connects volunteers and resources with local agencies and schools in need of support.
On October 18, 2024, 743 volunteers completed 61 projects across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Projects ranged from yard work, food service at shelters, painting walls, and even building tables and benches at schools. This resulted in 2,939 hours completed with an impact value of $93,460.
“We are so thankful to live in such a kind and caring community,” said Laura Gilliam, United Way of West Florida President and CEO. “The heart and sweat these volunteers put into the 31st Day of Caring makes a huge difference for local nonprofits and our neighbors they serve”. Check out below for FAQ's.
For questions about Day of Caring, please contact Julia Helton at julia.helton@uwwf.org or 850-912-8177.
For media inquires please reach out to our Vice President of Philanthropy and Communication, Lauren Clark, at lauren.clark@uwwf.org or 850-444-7042.
Maryann Andrews Community Health Northwest Florida
Corey Booth Florida Power and Light
Larry Cherry NAS Pensacola
Kami Faulkner Navy Federal Credit Union
Wanda Kotick Escambia County School District
Chris McFarland Escambia County School District
Julia Helton United Way of West Florida
Lauren Clark United Way of West Florida
Mirella Savage United Way of West Florida
Mary Zaledonis United Way of West Florida
Q: How can I sign up for Day of Caring?
A: One from your nonprofit or school can complete an interest form for the whole agency. The interest form includes – the nonprofit/school name, the number of projects you would like to host (the number can be changed), primary contact, and secondary contact.
Q: When and where can I create my agency’s project?
A: Projects are to be created on UWWF’s volunteer platform, Get Connected. Projects can be created anytime between now and Friday, August 30. Make sure you mark your project as “Private” so Day of Caring volunteers have an opportunity to see your project when it is time for their project selection. If you are new to Get Connected sign up for one of our Learning Labs to learn more about the platform at uwwf.org/learninglabs.
Q: What do I do if I cannot get ahold of my volunteer team lead?
A: If a second point of contact was provided, contact them. If it wasn’t or you cannot get ahold of them, contact Julia Helton at julia.helton@uwwf.org or 850-912-8177.
Q: Can I have multiple volunteer groups?
A: Yes. If you are an agency, you can host multiple projects.
Q: What is the DOC Project Leader Training?
A: This is a virtual call for agencies that are participating in Day of Caring. UWWF will cover how to prepare for the event, how to create projects in Get Connected, and the timeline of events. There are separate calls for agencies and volunteers with information tailored to the appropriate group. This will be on Monday, August 19 via Microsoft Teams.
Q: What is the DOC Meet & Greet?
A: This is an in-person gathering for agencies and volunteers to come together once projects have been selected. This is a time to hear last-minute details of the event and connect with your project coordinator/volunteer team lead to plan for the day. This typically happens in October, the week before the Day of Caring. This year's will be on Wednesday, October 9.
Q: What type of projects can my agency host?
A: Projects can range from painting sidewalks to building a house. Click here to see examples of projects your nonprofit or school can host. Note – projects cannot include any janitorial work.
Q: How can I sign up for Day of Caring?
A: One person can complete an interest form for their whole team. The interest form includes – the organization name, primary contact, and secondary contact.
Q: Will my team receive t-shirts after the t-shirt deadline?
A: T-shirt forms must be in by Wednesday, September 18 for your team to receive a T-shirt.
Q: When and where can my team sign up for projects?
A: Project selection is open to Day of Caring sponsors from Tuesday, September 3 to Friday, September 6. Project selection is open to all volunteers starting Monday, September 9 to Monday, October 7. Projects will be posted on UWWF’s volunteer platform, Get Connected. If you are new to Get Connected sign up for one of our Learning Labs to learn more about the platform at uwwf.org/learninglabs.
Q: What do I do if I cannot get ahold of my project coordinator?
A: If a second point of contact was provided, contact them. If it wasn’t or you cannot get ahold of them, contact Julia Helton at julia.helton@uwwf.org or 850-912-8177.
Q: Can I have multiple volunteer groups?
A: Yes, if you are an organization volunteering, you can have multiple groups.
Q: What is the DOC Project Leader Training?
A: This is a virtual call for volunteers who are participating in Day of Caring. UWWF will cover how to prepare for the event, how to sign up for projects in Get Connected and the timeline of events. There are separate calls for agencies and volunteers with information tailored to the appropriate group. This will be on Friday, August 16 via Microsoft Teams.
Q: What is the DOC Meet & Greet?
A: This is an in-person gathering for agencies and volunteers to come together once projects have been selected. This is a time to hear last-minute details of the event and connect with your project coordinator/volunteer team lead to plan for the day. T-shirts will be picked up at this event. This will be on Wednesday, October 9.
August 18
Project Leader training
September 6
Sponsors pick projects
September 11
Project selection begins for all other volunteer teams
September 18
October 11
Meet & Greet
October 20
DAY OF CARING!
August 17
Project Leader training
August 31
Create projects in Get Connected
October 11
Meet & Greet
October 20
DAY OF CARING!
2023
Thank you to all the amazing volunteers, businesses, organizations, and nonprofits who joined us to make the 30th Day of Caring amazing!
Visit the link below to check out the gallery of photos from the volunteer projects.
October 2022
February 2022
February-March 2021
October 2019
Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors:
