2023 United Way 'Day of Caring' mobilizes nearly 2,000 volunteers across Erie County

One-day event generates over 8,000 hours of service, valued at over $250,000

United Way of Buffalo & Erie County’s signature volunteer initiative, “Day of Caring,” returned today after a three-year hiatus, bringing together individuals, businesses and organizations from across the community to make a lasting impact through service. Nearly 2,000 volunteers logged a total of over 8,000 hours of volunteering at 75-plus nonprofits during this single-day event.

The value of that time can be calculated at over $250,000.

A press release stated, “Here at United Way, we are really focused on creating access and breaking a cycle of hardship that affects 40% of families in our community. ‘Day of Caring’ is one of the many ways we invite community members to be part of that systemic change. And it’s such a powerful example of people mobilizing to do their part to build a thriving community where everyone has an opportunity to succeed.”

“Day of Caring” participants provided a wide range of volunteer support, such as renovating community centers, revitalizing public spaces and providing professional assistance to local nonprofits.

The press release noted, “One thing all the host organizations have in common is that they each play a frontline role in supporting the same health, education and financial stability impact goals as United Way.

“Featured in the day’s kickoff celebration was the packing of 5,000 emergency care kits filled with essential emergency preparedness items for distribution to Erie County residents in vulnerable neighborhoods. Their creation is part of an ongoing partnership between UWBEC and Erie County to increase emergency preparedness and community resilience in the wake of the December 2022 blizzard.”

Among the many volunteer teams participating in the day were groups from Wegmans, Delaware North and HSBC Bank, all of whom are longtime presenting sponsors of the event.

The press release said, “For them, ‘Day of Caring’ provides a valuable opportunity to bring their employees together for memorable team building and to live out their corporate values.

“But volunteering on June 21 wasn’t the only way to be part of ‘Day of Caring’ this year. United Way’s popular ‘Community Baby Shower,’ sponsored by Oishei Children’s Hospital and Citi, became part of ‘Day of Caring’ this year, with dozens of groups hosting collections of critical baby care items to be distributed to families in need.

“There remains one more way to participate in this year’s event – for the first time, volunteers and community members can donate to the ‘Day of Caring’ crowdfunding campaign or support their favorite ‘Day of Caring’ organization as a crowdfunding champion. Proceeds from this peer-to-peer campaign help offset the cost of ‘Day of Caring’ projects and further the mission of both the host nonprofits and United Way.”

The “Day of Caring” crowdfunding campaign continues through June 30. Learn more or support a participating nonprofit team at fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/DOC2023 – or text DOC2023 to 71777 to donate.

Learn more at uwbec.org.