Day of Caring

United Way of Lake County's 34 Annual Day of Caring
June 17 and 18, 2026

On Wednesday, June 17 and Thursday, June 18th we will host our 34th Annual Day of Caring by pairing volunteers with projects submitted by nonprofit agencies and organizations.

We are currently accepting project submissions and project adoption requests. To submit a project or adopt one, please see the links below to complete the forms, or contact David Whittaker at dwhittaker@uwlc.org or by calling 440-639-1203.

 

What is Day of Caring?

Our annual Day of Caring brings the community together to give back.

Each spring and summer, we organize Day of Caring by matching volunteers with nonprofit, civic, and community projects to create a meaningful impact across Lake County. This initiative saves these organizations hundreds and often thousands of dollars in labor costs, allowing them to direct more funds toward serving their clients.

  • Nonprofit agencies and organizations submit one-day projects in support of their needs and/or those of the clients they serve.

  • Area companies, schools, service clubs and interested individuals volunteer to "adopt" one of these projects.

  • The nonprofit agencies and organizations collaborate to procure supplies and the timeframe needed to successfully complete projects.
     

Nonprofit Agency Project Submissions 
 

  • Nonprofit agencies are encouraged to submit multiple projects, but we cannot guarantee that all will be selected.
  • Projects can vary in size and may involve a wide variety of tasks such as cleaning, sorting, window washing, indoor and outdoor painting, or yard work such as weeding, planting, trimming, mulching, and edging flower beds. They may also include organizing or hosting social events like picnics, ice cream socials, or mini carnivals for children, seniors, and others.
  • Project completion times may vary ranging from a just a couple of hours to a half or a full day.
  • Submit your project idea here having trouble accessing the form? Email David Whittaker at dwhittaker@uwlc.org for a hard copy.

         

Volunteers: Businesses, Organizations, and Individuals Must Apply to Adopt a Project(s) 

  • Day of Caring offers incredible "feel-good" benefits for volunteers. It also serves as a great opportunity for corporate team-building, helping to strengthen teamwork while encouraging camaraderie. Most importantly, it provides a meaningful way to give back to the community in a visible, meaningful, and deeply appreciated way.
  • After receiving the list of projects, we allow all who have signed up to volunteer to choose which project(s) they would like. to adopt. This is done on a first come, first served basis.  
  • We strongly encourage businesses and organizations to visit the project sites they are interested in adopting before making a final decision. This helps to understand the full scope of the task, the materials needed and a comfort level in knowing whether the project is something your team can realistically take on and complete.
  • Sign your group up to join the fun! having trouble accessing the form? Email David Whittaker at dwhittaker@uwlc.org for a hard copy.
     

Questions: Email David Whittaker or call 440-639-1203.