Highlands County Day of Caring 2025

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Individuals and organizations from across Highlands County came together on April 10 for United Way of Central Florida’s Day of Caring, an annual event where volunteers participate in projects that make a significant impact on the local community. 

This year, over 350 volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help local nonprofits by cleaning parks, sanitizing children’s toys, stocking shelves, painting walls, and much more. All projects benefited nonprofit organizations that partner with UWCF to improve the health, education, financial stability, and basic needs of residents in Highlands County. 

“There is no way we could have this kind of impact without such an amazing group of community members!” said Shawn Beumel, United Way of Central Florida Director of Highlands County. “I truly believe that our United Way Day of Caring is the largest community-wide volunteer event in Highlands County.” 

The event gave supporters a chance to witness firsthand the incredible programs UWCF helps fund. Volunteers spent the morning providing much-needed services to organizations that work tirelessly for the community—an experience that left many feeling inspired and grateful. It was also a unique opportunity for volunteers, workplaces, and agencies to form meaningful connections while working side-by-side to create lasting change. 

“United Way has a lot of supporters, and the Day of Caring allows them to be difference makers!” Beumel added. 

Among the many participating nonprofits was the Children’s Museum of the Highlands. Executive Director Kelly Dressel shared, “Day of Caring brings our community together to love on us as we focus on our mission of Learning Through Play! This year, crews helped build our newest dinosaur-themed exhibit, transforming an older play space into a vibrant new area with toddler sensory busy boards, a Safari jeep, soft flooring, and large dinosaur play pieces. The all-hands-on-deck approach in just a few hours made a huge impact on our small organization. We are so very blessed by this hands-on love. 

 Thank you to all the volunteers and organizations that came together to make this year’s Day of Caring a success!

For a full album of event photos, click here.

United Way of Central Florida

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United Way of Central Florida Hosts Community Recovery Event at RP Funding Center

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As the United Way of Central Florida continues to respond to the needs of our community in the wake of recent storms, we are proud to invite residents to a Community Recovery Outreach Event at the RP Funding Center on Saturday, November 23rd, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event is designed to bring awareness to essential services, provide resources to those impacted by the storm, and address ongoing challenges faced by our neighbors.

United Way of Central Florida, in collaboration with community partners including Combee Connection, City of Lakeland, The Freedom Tour, GiveWell Community Foundation, Polk County, Polk Emergency Management, Polk Vision and others, aims to connect local residents with vital assistance. This event will offer a variety of resources, including FEMA assistance, food and toiletry kits, health services, and more—while supplies last.

Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024

Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Location: RP Funding Center, 701 W Lime St, Lakeland, FL 33815

 

Participating Organizations:

  • Central Florida Health Care
  • FEMA
  • Florida Department of Health
  • The Freedom Tour
  • Lighthouse Ministries
  • Polk County Community Health Care
  • Polk for Recovery
  • Polk Vision
  • United Way Community Wellness
  • United Way Success By 6

“We recognize that many of our neighbors are still facing challenges in the aftermath of the storm, and this event is an important step in ensuring that help is available,” said Christina Criser Jackson, President & CEO at United Way of Central Florida. “We are grateful for the support of our partners and for the opportunity to offer relief and connect our community members with the resources they need.”

United Way of Central Florida encourages all community members who need assistance to attend. If residents are unable to attend, they can be referred to available services by dialing 211 or texting their zip code to 898-211.