United Way of Buffalo & Erie County Mobilizes Almost 2,000 Volunteers to Complete 115 Community Projects During Day of Caring 2026
This one-day volunteer event adds a quarter of a million dollars’ worth of time and work to non-profits across Erie County
BUFFALO, N.Y. (June 18, 2026) – Yesterday, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County mobilized almost 2,000 volunteers for its annual Day of Caring, the region’s largest single-day volunteer event. Volunteers from local businesses and groups throughout Erie County participated in 115 service projects benefiting nonprofit agencies.
Premier sponsors Wegmans, Delaware North and HSBC joined United Way in supporting this long-standing tradition of service, helping connect volunteers with meaningful opportunities to make a tangible difference in the community.
“Day of Caring is a powerful reminder of what is possible when people come together with a shared purpose,” said Trina Burruss, President and CEO of United Way of Buffalo & Erie County. “Through these projects, volunteers are creating immediate impact for our nonprofit partners and demonstrating our community’s commitment to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Throughout the day, volunteers rolled up their sleeves to paint classrooms, landscape outdoor spaces, sort donations, organize supplies, assemble essential items for families, and tackle projects that many agencies otherwise would not have had the capacity or resources to complete. Collectively, these hands-on efforts are estimated to represent nearly a quarter million dollars’ worth of projects and services completed for local nonprofit organizations.
As part of this year’s kickoff activities, United Way also hosted a Community Baby Shower Packing Project, where volunteers assembled care packages filled with essential items to support local families with newborns and infants.
United Way extends its gratitude to the hundreds of organizations, project sites, sponsors, team leaders, volunteers and staff whose dedication commitment made Day of Caring 2026 possible.
ABOUT UNITED WAY OF BUFFALO & ERIE COUNTY: For nearly 110 years, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County has fought to improve the health, youth opportunities, and financial stability of every person in our community. By forging unlikely partnerships, finding new solutions to old problems, and mobilizing the best resources, we inspire individuals to join the fight against our community’s most daunting social issues. Learn more at uwbec.org.