Volunteers Needed to Participate in Days of Caring

United Way of Henderson County is seeking volunteers from throughout the community for its 2023 Days of Caring impact event.

Nearly 400 volunteers are needed to work on 38 projects at 25 local Henderson County nonprofit agencies on Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13, 2023.

All ages are invited to come together to create positive change for themselves, their families and their community. Individuals, families, civic groups, corporate teams, and others are all encouraged to participate. Volunteers can choose half or full day projects on either Friday or Saturday – or volunteer both days.

An added component to this year’s Days of Caring is a fundraiser supporting 13 local food pantries. Hunger persists in our community, with 14,000 individuals in Henderson County, including 3,480 children, experiencing food insecurity. That number represents 12.7% of our County population. Food costs have risen 16% since 2020 and 10% in 2022 alone. With the rising costs of food and other expenses, many residents are struggling to make ends meet. Our local food pantries need additional support to help them keep up with rising costs and the increasing need. This fundraiser will support 13 public facing food pantries doing this important work in Henderson County.

Those wishing to donate can text UWCARES to the number 71777 or visit LiveUnitedHC.org/DaysofCaring to make a gift online. Every dollar donated will be doubled through a matching gift provided by a generous donor.

“We are proud to be able to provide our nonprofit community with thousands of volunteer hours once again this year through United Way’s Days of Caring,” said Denise Cumbee Long, United Way’s Executive Director. “This is an incredible event that mobilizes hundreds of volunteers who will make a real difference to local nonprofits and the clients they serve. And this year, we are excited that there are two ways for people to participate: volunteering at a nonprofit agency, or contributing to our special fundraiser benefiting local food pantries. With inflation and skyrocketing food prices, more people in our community need help to obtain healthy food for their families. And more local pantries are facing challenges meeting the surge in demand with tighter budgets. We live in a generous community. We’d love to see folks step up with a financial gift to help Henderson County food pantries.”

Projects include a variety that appeal to all kinds of volunteers. For the gardener, projects include mulching, planting and landscaping. For the handy-person, there is painting, small repairs, and construction. Food pantries and thrift stores will need help organizing and stocking products.

Interested volunteers can find registration instructions and the donations portal by visiting United Way’s website at ww.liveunitedhc.org/daysofcaring. Volunteers who are registered online by April 10 are guaranteed a free t-shirt. Any questions may be directed to [email protected], or by phone at 828-692-1636 x1103.