On September 12, United Way of Salt Lake celebrated the 31st annual Day of Caring–one of our Year of Action events connecting corporate partners and community groups to volunteer opportunities in schools and nonprofit partners. 

Day of Caring is UWSL’s biggest single day of volunteerism. This year, approximately 1000 corporate volunteers completed 35 projects at schools and nonprofits across the Wasatch Front. Service projects vary to meet the needs of each school and nonprofit, ranging from building maintenance and landscape beautification to school success initiatives and kit packing. Although the majority of service projects occurred on September 12, the Day of Caring event extends beyond a single day with additional projects taking place throughout October and November. 

Here is a glimpse of the service projects completed by some of our Day of Caring and Year of Action corporate sponsors:

 

Day of Caring Sponsors

JPMorgan Chase at Utah Community Action 

JPMorgan Chase volunteers helped paint a shed at Majestic, one of Utah Community Action’s (UCA) Head Start buildings. Utah Community Action is a nonprofit agency dedicated to fighting poverty and its root causes in Utah. UCA serves over 60,000 community members each year through six core programs: Case Management & Housing, Head Start preschool, Heat utility assistance, Nutrition, Weatherization for homes, and Workforce Development. 

JPMorgan Chase team members have been supporting UWSL for years, with key leaders supporting the Latinos in Action Adopt-A-Class program which started at Kearns High School and expanded to other high schools and middle schools in Granite School District.

Select Health at Camp Kostopulos 

Camp Kostopulos welcomed 80 volunteers from Select Health who helped with maintenance on the nonprofit’s 30–acre campus by weeding, mulching, winterizing, painting, and more. Since 1967, The Kostopulos Dream Foundation has been improving the quality of life for people of all abilities through recreation, education, and growth opportunities. 

“It’s a wonderful opportunity—it’s great to come and feel like you’re making a difference, to help others, look outside of yourself, and just be able to give back to the community. It’s a great way to get out of the office and get to know our coworkers more, and a way to make a difference. It’s a great opportunity and we’re happy to be here.” 

–Brian Nielsen, General Counsel, Select Health 

 

Year of Action Sponsors 

American Express and James E. Moss Elementary School 

Volunteers from American Express expressed their creativity by painting rocks that will decorate the Kindness Garden at James E. Moss Elementary School. Students in need of a kindness boost can take a rock or leave a rock to pass the love on to others. 

American Express has been a longtime supporter of volunteer efforts in our community, sponsoring Year of Action events and helping us invest in the infrastructure that ensures companies and community members can continue to support our community.  

CHG at Midvale Middle School  

Volunteers continue participating in Day of Caring service projects throughout the fall months. On October 16, 30 volunteers from CHG will be supporting a variety of projects across Midvale Middle School including garden cleanup and making dog treats, fleece blankets, and Primary children’s art kits. 

“Volunteering during United Way’s annual Day of Caring is a meaningful way for people within CHG to live out our core values. It showcases our dedication to giving back to the community, and our people eagerly anticipate this opportunity each year, reflecting their commitment to making a positive impact. By engaging in local community service projects, businesses can leverage their resources and expertise through volunteering to address community needs, foster employee engagement, and build a culture of community engagement and social responsibility.” 

-DiVina Mauchley, Community Impact Manager, CHG Healthcare 

 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Foundation and Kearns High School 

On October 8, about 30 volunteers from the Deseret Management Corporation will assemble weekend meal kits for student athletes at Kearns High School. These meal kits help fill the gap in nutrition for students and their families over the weekend and school breaks.  

O.C. Tanner at Lincoln Elementary 

O.C. Tanner volunteers painted a peace path and assembled and painted buddy benches Lincoln Elementary School. A few O.C. Tanner volunteers also went to the Children’s Service Society to help prepare for their annual gala. 

“Volunteering is a large part of our identity at O.C. Tanner. Our founder, Obert C. Tanner, valued the company’s success by its ‘giveability.’ This spirit continues today as we donate time, effort, and 10% of profits to philanthropic causes that support the environment, arts, education, and children, reflecting what matters to our employees and organization. Volunteering is the heart or who we are and anytime we get the opportunity to give back, we do.”

-Chavalah Washington, Senior Wellness & Safety Leader, O.C. Tanner  

 

 

We want to extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone who participated in service projects and made this year’s Day of Caring event a success. 

Day of Caring is just one opportunity to connect with the community. UWSL offers a variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the year. See all the ways to get involved at uw.org/volunteer. 

 

Written by Jenna Fischer, Content Strategist