VERO BEACH — United Way of Indian River County is looking for project hosts and volunteers for its 31st annual Day of Caring on Saturday, Oct. 24.
Nonprofit groups, schools, churches and civic organizations have until Tuesday, Sept. 8, to submit hands-on projects. Volunteer registration is open through Friday, Oct. 16.
Last year’s event drew more than 550 volunteers who finished 51 projects and put in about 2,200 hours of work across the county.
“Day of Caring is a chance to see what happens when people come together with a shared purpose,” said Meredith Egan, CEO of United Way of Indian River County. “It is a few hours of your time, but the impact can last far beyond that morning.”
Groups do not have to be United Way-funded partners to take part. Projects should be safe for volunteers and able to wrap up in about four hours. Past work has included painting, landscaping, organizing, facility fixes and getting spaces ready for the people those groups serve.
United Way said it will handle logistics and match volunteer teams with the accepted projects.
The morning starts with breakfast at 8 a.m. at Vero Beach High School’s Citrus Bowl, 1707 16th St. Projects begin at 9 a.m. at sites around the county.
Individuals, families, businesses, schools and civic groups can sign up. Organizers said T-shirts will be given out at the kickoff breakfast while supplies last.
“Some projects may need a fresh coat of paint, some may need a little muscle, and others simply need a group of people willing to show up and help,” Egan said. “There is meaningful work to be done throughout our area, and when we work together, United is the Way.”
Project forms and volunteer registration are at UnitedWayIRC.org/day-of-caring. Questions can go to Amanda Morgan at Amanda.Morgan@UnitedWayIRC.org or (772) 567-8900, ext. 120.