Day of Caring 2022!
Our 2022 Day of Caring was a huge success thanks to our incredible volunteers and partners! With the help of 52 organizations, 47 projects were completed! From landscaping, and beautification projects to organizing and creating summer care packages, 428 volunteers set to work on Friday to help our community.
President and CEO, Christina Criser Jackson shared, “Day of Caring is about rolling up your sleeves, getting your hands dirty, and giving back to the community.” And that’s just what many volunteers did.
Talbot House was one of our partner agencies that hosted volunteers for a landscaping project, in which Publix Super Markets, Inc. employees assisted. Director of Development, Erin Martinez said, “It means so much to me that they [Publix associates] are taking time out of their day to make a difference in the lives of those that really need it.”
Long-time volunteer, board member and Women United member, Kim Elmhorst shared, “Day of Caring is important because it’s the one day we can gather together as volunteers, be unified in different locations, give back and be with friends.”
When asked why she’s volunteering at the Bonnet Springs park, Emerge Chair, Megan Ruscello stated, “It’s parks like Bonnet Springs that make Lakeland a great place to live. It’s nice to feel rooted in a place, and to be able to dig in and partner with them.”
When asked why Day of Caring is important to CPS Investment Advisors, Nolen Bailey shared, “It’s an opportunity for us to come together as a team and give back to an organization in town that does a lot of good. The community has been so kind to us.”
Day of Caring falling on Earth Day during National Volunteer week was no coincidence. United Way of Central Florida COO Rod Crowley stated, “We’re happy to celebrate National Volunteer Week and bring people together for these projects.”
Feeling the nudge to participate? You don’t need to wait until next year! Here are some ways you can get involved right now:
- Volunteer at a UWCF Healthy Food Pantry site.
- Become a ReadingPal!
- Participate in the Judd Jog.
- Join a clean up in your community.
- Write a thank you letter to a first responder.
View our gallery of photos from the day:
Want to know more about Day of Caring 2022? Make sure to check out our Facebook Live Videos from the day and view our full photo gallery!
.
Thank you again to these incredible organizations that showed up and helped improve the community we live in:
City of Lakeland, Madden Branded Goods, Polk Board of County Commissioners, Straughn Trout Architects, Truist, Bank of Central Florida, Brown International Corporation, GEICO, Pepperidge Farm, Inc., Publix Super Markets, Inc., Saddle Creek Logistics Services, Central Florida Regional Planning Council, Heartland for Children, CPS Investment Advisors, GiveWell Community Foundation, Citizens Bank & Trust, Central Florida Health Care, Duke Energy, Alan Jay Automotive Network, MIDFLORIDA, Lykes Brothers, Highlands County Board of County Commissioners, Supervisor of Elections, Balmoral Assisted Living, LPHS Interact Team, Edward Jones, Clifton Larson Allen, School Board of Highlands County, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Highlands County Tax Collector, HCSO, SFSC, Heartland National Bank, HCA Florida Highlands Hospital, City of Sebring, Buttonwood Bay, Champion for Children, Advent Health, Emerge Lakeland, United Way of Central Florida Young Leaders Society and Women United members, and UWCF staff.
