INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — More than 500 volunteers fanned out across Indian River County on Saturday to mark the 30th annual United Way Day of Caring, completing dozens of service projects aimed at supporting local nonprofits, schools and public spaces.
The event, presented by Publix Super Markets, drew 550 participants who tackled 51 projects in Vero Beach, Sebastian and Fellsmere. Organizers said the day underscored decades of community collaboration, with volunteers contributing about 2,200 hours of service.
What started 30 years ago as a modest volunteer drive has grown into a countywide tradition, United Way officials said. The day kicked off at Holman Stadium in the Jackie Robinson Training Complex, where volunteers enjoyed a free breakfast featuring sandwiches from Odom, Conrado Enterprises-McDonald’s, juice from Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company and coffee from Coffee House 1420. A pep rally and warm-up session led by TBLB Fitness set the tone before teams dispersed.
“This year’s 30th Day of Caring is a milestone that celebrates the incredible power of collaboration,” said Meredith Egan, CEO of United Way of Indian River County. “For three decades, volunteers have shown up to transform lives and spaces across Indian River County.”
Projects ranged from painting and landscaping to structural repairs. At the Center for Spiritual Care, volunteers refreshed bathrooms and a counseling room, handled pressure washing and tended to the grounds.
The center posted on social media: “It was a true hodgepodge of heart for Saturday’s United Way Day of Caring — and what a beautiful day it was! Everyone contributed with such enthusiasm and care, and you remind us that when we come together, love really does show up in color.”
Other efforts included volunteers from Merrill Lynch assisting with fishing line tasks and creating sea turtle light-testing cards at Coastal Connections. Teams from Publix store No. 1150 and John’s Island Club focused on beautification at the Gifford Youth Achievement Center.
Youth volunteers through United Way’s UPSTARTERS initiative assembled 348 early learning literacy kits, funded by a grant from PNC Bank’s Grow Up Great program. CVS Distribution donated many of the materials, which will go to the Economic Opportunities Council Head Start to boost childhood literacy and school readiness.
Coffee House 1420 added to the fundraising by donating all its proceeds for the day, totaling $3,092, to support United Way programs.
“It’s community days like this that remind us how powerful it is when we come together to serve others,” said Marty Mercado, a United Way board member and executive director at Hope for Families Center.
Sponsors included Publix Super Markets, PNC Bank, YPTC, CVS Distribution, Odom, Conrado Enterprises-McDonald’s, Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company, Coffee House 1420 and Gould Cooksey Fennell.
United Way of Indian River County, a nonprofit focused on health, education and financial stability, encourages year-round involvement. For details, visit UnitedWayIRC.org or VolunteerIndianRiverCounty.org. To learn about the UPSTARTERS program, contact Amanda Morgan at (772) 567-8900, ext. 120.
