Days of Caring Agency Page

Days of Caring 2023: May 8-12

You’ve come to the right place to find everything qualifying agencies will need to get your project submitted and completed for spring or fall projects.

To get started, please review the guidelines below and submit your project, using the United Way of Hancock County's DOC Agency Project Request Form. Agencies with 501(c)3 status, government offices, schools, and certain for-profits are eligible to submit projects for Days of Caring. Volunteers typically work in 4-hour time blocks (8am-12pm and 12-4pm), 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.

Registration for the 2023 Spring Days of Caring opens March 1, 2023, and closes April 14, 2023. Matching of volunteer groups and agencies will occur by the week of April 24, 2023. Spring Days of Caring will take place May 8-12, 2023.

project request form button DOC

Days of Caring: Guidelines for Agencies

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 with or talk to your volunteer team leader(s) before the event to go over the project, so that 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 (Ex: closed-toed shoes for construction, landscaping; old clothes for painting). In some cases, PPE may be necessary.
  4. Set a rain date with your volunteer team if warranted.
  5. Be prepared with the materials and equipment needed to complete the project(s). You can ask volunteers to bring their own work supplies if necessary (for example, a shovel or rake).
  6. Make sure you identify, manage and communicate any risks involved with your project, such as volunteers’ use of tools, threat of injury, your clients’ safety, etc. 
  7. 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 things 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 original, outdoor project as well.
  8. On the day of the project, the recruited volunteers become the volunteers of your agency, not the United Way of Hancock County. You will want to have a liability release ready for volunteers to sign the day of the project.

On the Day of the Project:

  1. Welcome your team and direct them to an area where team members can get name tags and sign your liability release.
  2. Tell your team about your agency and its mission so they fully understand the positive impact they are making. This is your chance to gain advocates for your work!
  3. Give a tour. Make sure you point out the location of a first-aid kit and restrooms, and if there are any safety hazards. Review any COVID-19 or other safety protocols.
  4. Feel free to provide water or snacks if it can be done in a COVID-safe way.
  5. Be aware that media representatives may be on site.
  6. Enjoy and have a wonderful day!