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Care is a verb — it's something we must do intentionally in order for it to exist. So when a community comes together and acts, the impact reaches everyone.
Day of Caring brings volunteers, businesses, and nonprofits together to address community needs and create meaningful change. From beautifying schools and community gardens to preparing meals and assembling literacy kits, volunteers dedicate their time and energy to service projects that make a lasting difference across Utah.
I participated in my first Day of Caring 14 years ago as a volunteer coordinator at a local nonprofit. Since then, I have seen firsthand what is possible when people unite around a shared purpose. United is the Way to create lasting change: one volunteer, one project, and one community at a time.
United Way of Salt Lake rallies the volunteers, advocates, and donors who fuel the work towards our goal that 100% of kids and families thrive. Please read on to see how your ACTION as a volunteer makes a difference.
Warmly,
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Roni Scheidler
Corporate Engagement Manager
United Way of Salt Lake |
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PROGRAM UPDATES
Day of Caring Volunteers Make a Difference
Last week, United Way of Salt Lake wrapped up the 33rd annual Day of Caring, our longest-running Year of Action event and the largest single day of corporate volunteerism for United Ways across the country. More than 700 volunteers came together and rolled up their sleeves to complete 34 service projects at schools and nonprofit partners across the Wasatch Front. Collectively, these dedicated volunteers contributed an estimated 2,100 hours of service. Projects ranged from landscaping improvements and assembling STEM kits to sorting donations at food banks and preparing meals for kids in Head Start programs.
All of these efforts add up to real results for Utah kids and families. Every meal prepared, literacy or STEM kit distributed, and learning space made more welcoming improves reading scores, increases graduation rates, and helps more families meet their basic needs. THANK YOU to all the incredible volunteers and project hosts who came together to make this year's Day of Caring such an impactful initiative. |
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Little Libraries, Big Readers Events Promote Early Literacy
Promise Partnership Utah recently hosted two events promoting early literacy at the Historic Scott School in South Salt Lake and Sunnyvale Park in Millcreek. Together with Promise South Salt Lake and Promise Millcreek, we restocked the Little Free Libraries at both locations and distributed. The Basics Utah, an initiative that empowers families with simple, effective strategies to support their child's early development. One of The Basics principles emphasizes the importance of reading to your child every day to help build critical knowledge, reasoning, and early literacy skills. Promise initiatives like these are powered by United Way of Salt Lake and its supporters. Check out the media coverage of these events here. |
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PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Celebrating Impact in Davis County
Members of the Davis County Chamber and Lakesiders Ambassadors gathered at United Way of Salt Lake’s office to celebrate a ribbon cutting marking impact across Davis County and the partnerships creating greater opportunities for children and families.
This year 1,260 backpacks filled with school supplies reached students across nine schools and community partners in Davis County, and 329 new books were added to book vending machines at Wasatch and Bountiful Elementary Schools. Through 211 Utah, Davis County residents received 4,443 referrals to basic needs resources. Promise Baby & You helped 88 families build a strong foundation for their children across six cohorts in Davis School District.
These numbers are more than milestones. They represent students starting the school year prepared, children discovering the joy of reading, and families connecting with essential resources when they need them most. Starting with the state's 80% literacy goal, together, we are turning partnership into progress and building a stronger future where 100% of kids and families can thrive. |
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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
School Spirit, Built Together
This year's Day of Caring brought school spirit to life at Cottonwood High School and James E. Moss Elementary. At Cottonwood, TD Williamson refreshed the COLTS logo on the football field.
“TD Williamson is happy to support United Way,” said Daniel Haueter, ILI Validation Program Supervisor at TD Williamson. “Supporting schools and educational institutions are especially important to us.”
At Moss, Mark Miller Subaru created fence art featuring the school's name and Roadrunner mascot.
"Mark Miller Subaru has been involved with United Way for a long time and we always like the opportunity to do good in the community and to just try and make sure that the world's a better place," said Heather Adair, Culture Director at Mark Miller Subaru. "We are decorating the fence with the Moss Elementary mascot, the Roadrunner. It's kind of simple, but it is something that brings up morale and makes kids feel like they have a place that is their own."
These projects place school spirit front and center, creating lasting reminders that students belong and have a community cheering them on. |
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ADVOCACY UPDATE
On Medicaid, Meta, and Midterms
There has been some big news recently that will impact our policy agenda and goals this session. Due to a $22 million decrease in federal funding that supports childcare subsidies and out-of-school-time programs, the Office of Child Care must make significant cuts to eligibility and the amount of support it provides families. The Department of Health and Human Services also made a critical error in its forecasting of Medicaid spending that has put us in a $120 to $200 million shortfall for this year and could reach $300 million ongoing. Both will require advocates to push for state investment and to hold the line on certain cuts. On the bright side, there will be funds coming to the state due to the recent Meta settlement. This will also require us to make sure the funding helps support youth. Stay tuned for our full policy agenda coming out soon.
The midterm election is coming up quickly! As part of the Utah Education Debate Coalition, we help host debates for the State School Board races. Event dates and times will be coming out soon. Invitations for each debate will be on the coalition's Facebook page, and we will also share them on our social media. |
Upcoming Events
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Delta SkyMiles Promotion
This September, Delta is offering up to 5,000 bonus SkyMiles when you donate to United Way using Delta's promotional link and include your SkyMiles number.
Learn More |
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Financial Literacy Lunch and Learn
Oct. 23, 2026
12-1:30 p.m.
Join Women United to learn about tax-advantaged giving, wealth planning, and more from financial professionals.
Get Tickets |
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Midterm Elections
Nov. 3, 2026
Be sure to vote in the midterm elections!
Learn more at Utah's official voter registration portal. |
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