The 35th Annual United Way Laurence E. Richardson Day of Caring empowered more than 2,300 community members to volunteer across 100 different project sites–totaling *$376,000 in service poured right back into the Greater Charlottesville community!
What started 35 years ago with 50 volunteers has evolved into a day that celebrates volunteerism and provides direct, urgent support to over 100 organizations throughout the Greater Charlottesville region. United Way is deeply appreciative for the generous support of our Presenting Sponsors, University of Virginia and Sentara, along with 17 other sponsoring organizations. And of course, we cannot thank the volunteer teams and team leaders as well as the project hosts who participated in this year’s event to make it so remarkably impactful.
Click here to see photos from the 2026 Day of Caring–more to come!
Since its founding in 1992, Day of Caring has engaged over 48,000 volunteers to complete more than 5,100 projects benefiting nonprofits, schools, faith-based groups, and early learning centers throughout Central Virginia–totaling more than $5.6M in estimated value of service/ donated materials. This year, 162 Day of Caring volunteer teams completed over 130 projects at local nonprofits, public schools, faith organizations, and early learning centers–pouring more than *$376,000 back into our community.
Ravi Cooper, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Charlottesville, stated, “Thirty-five years ago, Day of Caring began with just 50 volunteers willing to set aside part of their day to serve their neighbors. The growth since then is remarkable—and this year, we’re celebrating our largest Day of Caring since 2013. But I think what’s even more remarkable is what Day of Caring has become: a platform for connection between businesses and nonprofit, institutions and communities, and people and the causes they care about.”
For many local organizations, Day of Caring provides vital support—accomplishing projects that otherwise wouldn’t fit in the budget, while connecting with community members in meaningful ways and building relationships that will last. Projects were held indoors and outdoors; remotely and on-site at local organizations; and ranged in scale from simple tasks to skilled volunteer work; from solo projects to teams of 100.
Kevin McDonald, Vice President for Community Engagement and Equal Opportunity at the University of Virginia and 2026 Day of Caring Host Committee Co-Chair reflected that, “We’ve been asking ourselves a simple question: What could Day of Caring become if we thought about its impact as something larger than a single day of service? As we expand the day’s reach into rural communities, create new opportunities for organizations and volunteers, and continue to bring visibility to the extraordinary work being done by nonprofits throughout our region, I think we are beginning to answer that question.”
This year’s Day of Caring had added significance for the University of Virginia, as it marked the launch of its Give Where You Live campaign, a workplace giving partnership with United Way of Greater Charlottesville. “We’re pleased to partner with United Way on this important program,” said Jennifer “J.J.” Wagner Davis, UVA’s Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Give Where You Live Co-Chair. “This new partnership will allow UVA employees to give back to the community in a meaningful way.” With over 1,400 employee volunteers participating in Day of Caring this year on more than 100 teams from UVA and UVA Health, the University has already demonstrated that commitment in a remarkable way.
Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital also served as the host of a free breakfast rally for community members to kick off the 2026 United Way Day of Caring. The 2026 United Way Caring for Community Awards and the 2026 Volunteer of the Year Award, which recognize exceptional, often unsung community service from individuals, businesses, and organizations in our region, were also presented at the breakfast.
Bernie Boone, President of Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital and 2026 Day of Caring Host Committee Co-Chair shared that, “Day of Caring is a powerful reminder that improving the health and well-being of our community extends far beyond the walls of our hospital. We are grateful to the thousands of volunteers who are giving their time and talents to care for their neighbors. Together, these individual acts of service strengthen our community and reflect the caring spirit we are proud to share across the Greater Charlottesville region.”
Thank you to our 2026 Day of Caring sponsoring organizations:
- University of Virginia
- Sentara
- Carter Myers Automotive
- Woodard Properties
- TELUS Digital
- Bank of America
- Manning Family Foundation
- Apex Clean Energy
- Atlantic Union Bank
- Dominion Energy
- County of Albemarle
- Timberwood Tap House
- UVA Health
- James Madison’s Montpelier
- Brown Advisory
- Panorama Paydirt
- Piedmont Virginia Community College
- UVA Community Credit Union
- Microaire
*Estimated value of service, donated materials, and supplies