Day of Caring 2026: A Celebration of Service and Community
Day of Caring is a community-wide initiative that connects volunteers and resources with local agencies and schools in need of support. Each year, hundreds of caring individuals roll up their sleeves to make a lasting impact right here in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
On November 13, 2026, we will celebrate our 33rd Day of Caring. We invite all volunteers, project hosts, sponsors, and community partners to join us in making this year’s event a success. Your generosity, teamwork, and dedication strengthen the organizations that serve our neighbors every day.
2026 Important Dates & Deadlines
Mark your calendars for the following key milestones leading up to the big event:
- September 2, 2026, Project Leader Training (PLT): Virtual training for School Districts, Agencies, and Volunteer Project Leaders.
- September 18, 2026, Project Deadline: All projects must be finalized and entered into Get Connected (GC).
- September 22, 2026, Volunteer Selection Opens: Projects become available for volunteers to browse and select.
- October 13, 2026, T-Shirt Deadline: Last day to submit t-shirt sizes for your team.
- November 4, 2026, Meet & Greet: Kickoff gathering (Location TBD).
- November 13, 2026, 33rd Annual Day of Caring!
Get Involved Early
It’s never too early to start planning! Whether you’re interested in volunteering, hosting a project, or becoming a sponsor, we would love to have you on board for our 33rd year.
Ready to take the next step?
You can find the interest forms for volunteers, project hosts, and sponsors below
Looking Back: Our 2025 Impact
Last year’s event set a high bar for community spirit, and we are ready to do even more in 2026!
- 713 volunteers came together to serve.
- 68 projects completed across local nonprofits and schools.
- 2,978.45 volunteer hours contributed.
- $98,288.85 in community impact value.
From painting classrooms and beautifying outdoor spaces to supporting local nonprofits, each project reflects the spirit of care and pride that defines our region.
See the Day in Action
Relive the day through some of our favorite highlights below. Click here to access the full photo gallery.
Questions or Media Inquiries
For questions about Day of Caring, please contact:
Julia Helton, Community Impact Manager — julia.helton@uwwf.org , 850-912-8177
Day of Caring Agency Project Checklist
(**These are instructions for nonprofits and schools creating a project in Get Connected)
Title - Create a catchy title for each project your agency is submitting.
Project description
o Be clear with the project description, by including tasks to be completed.
o Indicate if your project is inside or outside.
o Note if specific attire is required (closed toe shoes, gloves, etc.).
o Note if specific equipment is needed by the volunteers.
o Include the point of contact for the project, name, email and phone number.
Code as Private
o This will ensure the project will be reserved for Day of Caring selections.
o All projects updated to public status beginning September 15.
Under Initiative, select United Way of West Florida’s 32nd Day of Caring – October 24, 2025
Duration, select Happens On
o Day of Caring is a one day only event, please select: Happens on
o Enter 10/24/2025
Capacity - List the number of volunteers needed to complete the Day of Caring project on 10/24/2025.
• Hours - Typically, Day of Caring projects are 4 to 6 hours in duration.
• Hours Description – Indicate the timeframe volunteers need to be at your site. (Ex. – 8am-12pm)
Allow Team registration
o Be aware projects can be posted for an individual and/or a team to sign up.
o It is best to ensure “team registration” is selected.
Additional information
o Minimum/maximum age: if your agency has age requirements for volunteers, please specify here.
o Is the project family friendly? Will the project be outdoors (include backup plan in case of rain)? Is the space wheelchair accessible?
• Address - List address for the Day of Caring project.
• Interests - Selections will be used to match volunteers with their needs.
• Designate a Site Supervisor – Put name and contact information so volunteers know who to contact for the project.
The more information your agency fills out on Get Connected; the more volunteer groups will understand your project.
Maryann Andrews - Community Health Northwest Florida
Corey Booth - Florida Power and Light Company
Tammy Byrer - Opening Doors Northwest Florida
Larry Cherry - NAS Pensacola
Nadia Colin - Santa Rosa County District Schools
Kami Faulkner - Navy Federal Credit Union
Wanda Kotick - Escambia County Public Schools
Chris McFarland - Escambia County Public Schools
Cortney Owens - Escambia River Electric Corp.
Karen Dennis - United Way of West Florida
Julia Helton - United Way of West Florida
Lauren Clark - United Way of West Florida
Mirella Savage - United Way of West Florida
Mary Zaledonis - United Way of West Florida
How can I sign up for Day of Caring?
One from your nonprofit or school can complete an interest form for the whole agency. The interest form includes – nonprofit/school name, number of projects you would like to host (number can be changed), primary contact, and secondary contact.
When and where can I create my agency’s project?
Projects will be created on UWWF’s volunteer platform, Get Connected. Projects can be created anytime between now and Friday, September 18. Make sure you mark your project as “Private” so Day of Caring volunteers have an opportunity to see your project when it is time for their project selection.
What do I do if I cannot get hold of my volunteer team lead?
If a second point of contact was provided, contact them. If not, or if you cannot reach them, contact Julia Helton at julia.helton@uwwf.org or 850-912-8177.
Can I have multiple volunteer groups?
Yes. If you are an agency, you can host multiple projects.
What is the DOC Project Leader Training?
This is a virtual call for agencies that are participating in Day of Caring. UWWF will cover how to prepare for the event, how to create projects in Get Connected, and the timeline of events. The Project Leader Training is a vital virtual session for all participating School Districts, Nonprofits/Agencies, and Volunteer Project Leaders. This call ensures every leader is equipped to manage their teams and impact the community effectively.
Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2026
What is the DOC Meet & Greet?
This is an in-person gathering for agencies and volunteers to come together once projects have been selected. This is a time to hear last-minute details of the event and connect with your project coordinator/volunteer team lead to plan for the day. This typically happens in October, the week before Day of Caring. This will be Wednesday, November 4.
What type of projects can my agency host?
Projects can range from painting sidewalks to building a house. Click here to see examples of projects your nonprofit or school can host. Note – projects cannot include any janitorial work.
Who can volunteer for a project?
Any individuals or groups from an organization willing to volunteer in Escambia and/or Santa Rosa counties.
What kind of project can my group do?
Your group can volunteer for any project that is available on Get Connected if the skill set matches your group. Make sure your group is comfortable with the project and what is required of you to complete it.
How can I sign up for Day of Caring?
One person can complete an interest form for their whole team. The interest form includes – organization name, primary contact, and secondary contact.
Will my team receive t-shirts after the t-shirt deadline?
T-shirt forms must be in by Tuesday, October 13, for your team to receive a T-shirt.
When and where can my team sign up for projects?
Project selection is open to all volunteers starting Tuesday, September 22. Projects will be posted on UWWF’s volunteer platform, Get Connected.
What do I do if I cannot get hold of my project coordinator?
If a second point of contact was provided, contact them. If not, or if you cannot reach them, contact Julia Helton at julia.helton@uwwf.org or 850-912-8177.
Can I have multiple volunteer groups?
Yes, if you are an organization volunteering, you can have multiple groups.
What is the DOC Project Leader Training?
This is a virtual call for volunteers who are participating in Day of Caring. UWWF will cover how to prepare for the event, how to sign up for projects in Get Connected, and the timeline of events.
Date: Wednesday, September 2
What is the DOC Meet & Greet?
This is an in-person gathering for agencies and volunteers to come together once projects have been selected. This is a time to hear last-minute details of the event and connect with your project coordinator/volunteer team lead to plan for the day. T-shirts will be picked up at this event. This will be Wednesday, November 4.
2023
Thank you to all the amazing volunteers, businesses, organizations, and nonprofits who joined us to make the 30th Day of Caring amazing!
Visit the link below to check out the gallery of photos from the volunteer projects.
October 2022
February 2022
February-March 2021
October 2019
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors
