VERO BEACH — Nearly 500 volunteers spent a Saturday morning in late October improving schools and nonprofit spaces across Indian River County during United Way of Indian River County’s 31st annual Day of Caring.
United Way said 480 people worked on 39 projects on Oct. 24, contributing 1,440 hours in total. The event began with a kickoff at the Vero Beach High School Citrus Bowl, where McDonald’s and Coffee House 1420 provided breakfast and coffee. TBLB Fitness led a warm-up, and the Daring Divas performed.
One of the greater efforts took place at Citrus Elementary School. About 75 volunteers — a mix of parents, students, school district staff, and community members — handled campus improvements. In a separate project, members of United Way’s UPSTARTERS youth volunteer group worked with staff from Sunshine Physical Therapy Clinic to assemble 150 Early Learning Kits for young children. A PNC Grow Up Great grant funded the kits.
“Day of Caring is a great example of what can happen when people are willing to give a little of their time to make a difference,” United Way CEO Meredith Egan said. “Three hours may not seem like a lot, but when 480 people each give that time, it adds up to something pretty incredible. We’re grateful to everyone who showed up and helped make this year’s Day of Caring such a success.”
The annual event pairs individuals, families, businesses, and school groups with local organizations that need hands-on help. Sponsors this year included Coffee House 1420, Coca-Cola, Gould Cooksey Fennell, McDonald’s, PNC Bank, Publix, TBLB Fitness and Your Part-Time Controller.
United Way of Indian River County is a local nonprofit that supports programs focused on health, education, and financial stability. For more information, visit UnitedWayIRC.org or call 772-567-8900.
