A biannual service blitz

Days of Caring is a special, multi-day service event where volunteers lend a hand to help local nonprofit agencies and other social service-based organizations.

During this biannual event, United Way of Hancock County matches volunteer teams from local corporations and service organizations with projects submitted by nonprofits and other social service agencies. The volunteers then head out in force to complete projects such as landscaping, organizing, painting, cleaning or even planning an event — whatever is needed. Volunteer teams come away having bonded over their shared experience, while the agencies enjoy hundreds or even thousands of dollars in savings that can now be put directly toward their mission and services.

Days of Caring is held twice each year: A full five days in May, and three days in September. Shifts run from 8 a.m. to noon or noon to 4 p.m. each day at locations across Hancock County including nonprofit offices, government buildings, parks, ballfields, churches, camps and schools.

In spring 2026, a total of 712 Days of Caring volunteers completed 78 service projects for local organizations in just five days. These volunteers completed 2,832 service hours, a value to the community of over $103,000 (based on Independent Sector's 2026 value of a volunteer hour of $36.14). That's money these agencies were able to save and put directly toward their mission and services!

Fall Days of Caring will be held Sept. 28-30, 2026. Registration for volunteer teams and projects will open in mid-July.

Thank you to our 2026 Days of Caring sponsors: City Apparel + Merch, Marathon Petroleum Corp., Freudenberg-NOK, Domino's and First National Bank.

Information for Agencies

Local agencies with 501(c)3 status, government offices, churches, schools and certain for-profits are eligible to submit projects for Days of Caring. Volunteers typically work in four-hour time blocks (8am to noon and noon to pm), and projects have the option to run over multiple days. 

Volunteers United will make every effort to fill project requests within the Days of Caring event. Please bear in mind that our volunteer base may be limited, but we will make every effort to get your project well-staffed and completed.

Preparing for your Project

1. Assign a representative from your agency to be the contact and organizer for the project. This person should be on site to direct volunteers the day of the project.
2. You will be connected with a volunteer team leader. Set up a meeting to talk with your team leader(s) before the event to review the project, so volunteers are informed and ready to go. Make sure volunteers know where they can park and if there is a need to carpool.
3. Suggest proper attire for the project (closed-toed shoes for construction, old clothes for painting, etc.).
4. Please be prepared with the materials and equipment needed to complete the project. You can ask volunteers to bring their own tools, such as shovels or rakes, if necessary.
5. Make sure you identify, manage and communicate any risks involved with your project, such as volunteers' use of tools, threat to injury, your clients' safety, etc.
6. For each project submitted, please prepare two backup projects in the event that volunteers finish early. Many teams work very quickly and have the ability to finish projects faster than you might think. If possible, plan a project in the case of rain. Teams may be willing to schedule a rain date and/or come back to finish an outdoor project as well. 

On the Day of the Project

1. Welcome your volunteers and direct them to an area where they can get name tags and sign your liability release. On the day of the event, volunteers become the volunteers of the agency, not United Way of Hancock County.
2. Tell your volunteers about your agency and its mission so they fully understand the positive impact they are making. This is a chance to gain advocates for your work!
3. Give a tour. Make sure to point out the location of a first-aid kit and restrooms, and any safety hazards.
4. Feel free to provide water or snacks.
5. Be aware that media representatives may be on site.
6. Enjoy and have a wonderful day!

Information for Volunteer Teams

We invite volunteer teams from area corporations, civic groups and small businesses to review the available projects and register for one that fits your schedule, skills and abilities. This is a great way to serve an organization that's close to your heart, or to learn more about a community resource you were unfamiliar with.

Guidelines for Volunteer Teams

1. Designate a team leader to coordinate your volunteer efforts. The team leader will coordinate with team members, United Way of Hancock County and the agency you will be helping. This person will also lead the team on site the day of the project.
2. Team leaders will be connected with an agency representative before the project. Set up a meeting or talk to your agency contact to gain an understanding of the project. Make sure you explain the details to your team, including where to park or if carpooling is necessary, suggested clothing, any tools to bring along, any possible safety hazards, and safety protocols in place.
3. Volunteers will receive a Days of Caring T-shirt to wear on the day of the project. Team leaders will pick up the shirts at the United Way office as the event nears.
4. The day of the event, volunteers become the volunteers of the agency, not United Way of Hancock County. Agencies may direct volunteers to sign a liability form and may have name tags to pass out.
5. Please bring water or a snack if you think you will need it.
6. Be aware that media representatives may be present.
7. Enjoy and have a wonderful day! We can't thank you enough for taking this opportunity to measurably improve people's lives in Hancock County!