United Way day of caring brings nearly 700 volunteers together to support Southern Kentucky nonprofits
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Nearly 700 volunteers fanned out across six southern Kentucky counties Wednesday as part of United Way of Southern Kentucky’s annual Day of Caring, completing service projects designed to help local nonprofits better serve their communities.
Volunteers from businesses, schools and community organizations worked on about 90 projects ranging from landscaping and painting to moving supplies and assembling items for local agencies.
Among those participating was Warren County Public Schools, which sent employees to United Way’s Bowling Green office to refresh landscaping, move furniture and supplies, and make blankets for children served by the Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center.
Dr. Tracey Young, director of grants and community outreach for Warren County Public Schools, said the event gives nonprofits extra hands for projects they often don’t have the time or staff to complete.
“We’re going to have nearly 700 volunteers across six counties working on 90 different projects for nonprofits in those counties, and we just help them do the extra things,” Young said.
Inside United Way’s office, volunteers assembled handmade blankets that will be given to children receiving services through the Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center.
“The blankets that we’re making for Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center are actually used to be given to children who are there receiving services…children who have been reported sexually abused,” Young said. “Our heart is with those children.”
Young said the Child Advocacy Center served nearly 1,000 children over the past year, making partnerships like Day of Caring especially meaningful for organizations working with vulnerable families.
The event also highlighted United Way’s ongoing focus on kindergarten readiness. A display inside the organization’s office features handprints from children who have benefited from United Way-supported programs alongside volunteers who have helped make those services possible.
“United Way is very targeted towards kindergarten readiness,” Young said. “We know when a child starts kindergarten ready, their earning capacity over their lifetime is substantially more than if you don’t start kindergarten ready.”
Young said one of the unique aspects of Day of Caring is seeing businesses, schools and nonprofits work together despite often relying on the same pool of donors throughout the year.
She hopes the event continues to expand, with even more employers encouraging workers to volunteer.
“I would love next year for us to be in 10 counties, up from six to 10, and let’s go from 700 to 1,000 volunteers,” Young said. “The more employers who hear about this day and see the joy it brings to their employees, I know we’ll have more people sign up.”
United Way of Southern Kentucky hosts Day of Caring annually, bringing together volunteers from across the region to complete projects that help nonprofits continue serving their communities year-round.
