Day of Caring

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.

August 11

First day of school in ESC and SRC

 

August 19

9:30-10:30 am: Santa Rosa County Schools Project Leader Training (Virtual)

 

August 20

8:30-9:30 am: Nonprofit Project Leader Training (Virtual)

11:30am-12:30pm: Volunteer Project Leader Training (Virtual)

 

August 22

8:30-9:30 am: Escambia County Schools Project Leader Training (hybrid)

 

September 5

Agencies have projects in Get Connected

 

September 8-12

Project selection is open to DOC sponsors

 

September 15

Project selection is open to all volunteer groups

 

September 22

T-shirt form deadline for volunteers

 

October 15

Meet and greet

 

October 24

Day of Caring!

Primary Contact
Secondary Contact

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Grab some friends or colleagues and roll up your sleeves for this annual day of volunteerism. Sign up your team below to get started.
Team Lead Contact Information
Team Secondary Contact Information

Maryann Andrews  Community Health Northwest Florida

Corey Booth  Florida Power and Light

Larry Cherry  NAS Pensacola 

Lauren Clark   United Way of West Florida

Nadia Colin Santa Rosa School District

Kami Faulkner  Navy Federal Credit Union

Julia Helton  United Way of West Florida

Wanda Kotick  Escambia County School District

Chris McFarland  Escambia County School District

Mirella Savage United Way of West Florida

Mary Zaledonis  United Way of West Florida

How can I sign up for Day of Caring?

One from your nonprofit or school can complete an interest form for the whole agency. The interest form includes – nonprofit/school name, number of projects you would like to host (number can be changed), primary contact, and secondary contact.

 

When and where can I create my agency’s project?

Projects will be created on UWWF’s volunteer platform, Get Connected. Projects can be created anytime between now and Friday, September 5. 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.

 

What do I do if I cannot get hold of my volunteer team lead?

If a second point of contact was provided, contact them. If not, or if you cannot reach them, contact Julia Helton at julia.helton@uwwf.org or 850-912-8177.

 

Can I have multiple volunteer groups?

Yes. If you are an agency, you can host multiple projects.

 

What is the DOC Project Leader Training?

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. The calls will be separated into three groups this year: Santa Rosa County Schools – Tuesday, August 19, 9:30-10:30 am; Nonprofits – Wednesday, August 20, 8:30-9:30 am; Escambia County Schools (in-person or virtual) – Friday, August 22, 8:30-9:30 am.

 

What is the DOC Meet & Greet?

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 Day of Caring. This will be Wednesday, October 15.

 

What type of projects can my agency host?

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.

 

Who can volunteer for a project?

Any individuals or groups from an organization willing to volunteer in Escambia and/or Santa Rosa counties.

 

What kind of project can my group do?

Your group can volunteer for any project that is available on Get Connected if the skill set matches your group. Make sure your group is comfortable with the project and what is required of you to complete it.

 

How can I sign up for Day of Caring?

One person can complete an interest form for their whole team. The interest form includes – organization name, primary contact, and secondary contact.

 

Will my team receive t-shirts after the t-shirt deadline?

T-shirt forms must be in by Wednesday, September 24, for your team to receive a T-shirt.

 

When and where can my team sign up for projects?

Project selection is open to Day of Caring sponsors from Monday, September 8 to Friday, September 12. Project selection is open to all volunteers starting Monday, September 15, to Monday, October 13. Projects will be posted on UWWF’s volunteer platform, Get Connected.

 

What do I do if I cannot get hold of my project coordinator?

If a second point of contact was provided, contact them. If not, or if you cannot reach them, contact Julia Helton at julia.helton@uwwf.org or 850-912-8177.

 

Can I have multiple volunteer groups?

Yes, if you are an organization volunteering, you can have multiple groups.

 

What is the DOC Project Leader Training?

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. For volunteers, this will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 11:30 am-12:30 pm.

 

What is the DOC Meet & Greet?

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 Wednesday, October 15.

Photo of volunteers

   August 18

Project Leader training

   September 6

Sponsors pick projects

   September 11

Project selection begins for all other volunteer teams

   September 18

T-shirt orders due

   October 11

Meet & Greet

   October 20

DAY OF CARING!

Photo of agencies

   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.

uwwf.org/doc30

 

 

29th day of caring album

October 2022

28th day of caring album

February 2022

27.5 day of caring album

February-March 2021

27th day of caring album

October 2019

Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors:

Publix

Office Pride

FLorida Blue Logo

South State Bank

International paper

Gulf winds