Day of Caring Draws 550 Volunteers

On Friday and Saturday, September 23 and 24, more than 550 people volunteered throughout Snohomish County for the 23rd annual Day of Caring. Projects included reading to children, cleaning up schools and parks, sprucing up a senior center and nonprofits in the county, and helping adults with disabilities put on a carnival. This year, United Way of King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties teamed up to coordinate this volunteer event on the same day for the first ever Puget Sound Day of Caring!

In Snohomish County more than 550 volunteers joined us, giving more than 2,200 hours at 27 nonprofit project sites. The impact of their volunteer service time is valued at $64,357. Projects spanned throughout eight Snohomish County cities.

“Day of Caring is one of my favorite days of the year. To be able to go out into the community and not only lend a helping hand, but learn more about these organizations and the amazing work they do, is inspiring,” said Dennis G. Smith, president and CEO of United Way of Snohomish County.

Volunteers are at the heart of this day and were comprised of various United Way partner companies, local sponsors, individual donors, and community members.

“We have the greatest volunteers who are truly committed to making our community better. Even the rain on Friday couldn’t stop them from building houses and planting trees in the mud,” said Jessica Gaitan, volunteer engagement manager at United Way of Snohomish County.

Participants used #UWSCDoC throughout the day on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. A full overview of social media activity from the day can be found at tagboard.com/UWSCDoC.