Day of Caring

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2026 Day of Caring Project Ideas

Volunteers can support your organization in meaningful ways beyond traditional yardwork. Consider projects that align with your mission, programs, or events, and take time to share your mission so volunteers understand the impact of their work.

When planning a Day of Caring project, consider:

• Does the project support a clear organizational need and align with your mission?
• Can it be completed within 4–6 hours with appropriate tools and materials?
• How many volunteers are needed to complete the project safely and effectively?

Landscaping
his can include planting, sprucing up flower beds, clearing overgrown areas, mowing, mulching, raking, planting grass seeds, power wash sidewalks, etc

Gardening
Create a sensory or butterfly garden, build raised garden beds, or plan fruits and vegetables

Fencing
Volunteers can repair, replace, or install fencing. Wooden panels make the process easier.

Painting
There are all sorts of outdoor painting projects: walls, fences, playground equipment, outdoor furniture, re-painting parking lot lines and the school track markings, etc.

Revamping
This might include organizing, cleaning, painting, replacing the carpet etc.

Vehicle Washing
If you have service vehicles like buses or vans, get them washed and cleaned.

Prepare and Serve Meals
Volunteers can serve meals to clients in the lunchroom. Make it an official Lunchroom Appreciation Day!

Utilize Special Talents
Find out if project partners have special talents or training (skilled carpentry, plumbing, sewing, etc.) and put them to work!

Tutoring/Storytime
Volunteers can tutor students in any subject or do a Storytime with the kids.

After-School Projects
Volunteers can help students with their after-school activities like helping make posters for the football game or giving pointers and tips to students that play a sport.

Furniture Building
Volunteers can help assemble the furniture your agency needs for the office.

Window Cleaning
Volunteers can clean windows inside or outside for a building that shines like new.

Paint Murals
Have blank walls that could use some inspiration? Volunteers can paint murals indoors or outdoors.

Day with Clients
Have volunteers work with your clients, such as reading, creating finger-paints or art projects together, playing games, or sharing what they do.

Administrative Work
Have volunteers file or shred papers. They can also organize storage spaces and common areas, or stuff envelopes.

Special Event Preparation
Events are a task to put on! Volunteers can help with decorating/designing center pieces, helping with mass mailing, preparing materials, and stuffing envelopes.

Create Bulletin Boards
Use construction paper, cotton filling, fabric, ribbons, and glue to create a new bulletin board for classrooms or a library.

Organizing, Packing, or Distributing Food
If your agency provides meals or packs food for clients, volunteers can help assemble and/or distribute.Wishlist
Sometimes volunteers are unable to participate in projects, but can donate food, meals, or materials to your agency.

Holiday Preparation
If there’s a holiday coming up (Halloween, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, etc.), volunteers can prep for any events your organization may have.

Letter Writing
Volunteers can assist with writing thank you letters to volunteers, donors, students etc.

Assemble Kits
With provided materials, volunteers can assemble hygiene, first-aid, or weather emergency kits for clients or community members.

Pet Care Projects
Volunteers can clean animal areas or make toys for animals.

Coming Soon!

No. You will receive instructions directly from your team lead and/or United Way about registering for your assigned project. Reach out to dayofcaring@uwbec.org with any questions!

Contact Rema Hanash, Chief Development Officer at rema.hanash@uwbec.org to learn more!

VolunteerWNY is a site managed by United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, created to connect volunteers with opportunities offered by nonprofits, faith-based organizations and educational institutions. Once registered, volunteers can search for and respond to volunteer opportunities that meet their interests and availability all year long!

Contact us at dayofcaring@uwbec.org.