Courtesy United Way

It has been 29 years since the United Way of Utah County started the Day of Caring, an annual service event that brings out businesses and employee volunteers to help serve communities in the county.

This year’s event will be held on Thursday with more than 1,500 volunteers from 38 local businesses and organizations serving throughout the community. The major sponsors for this years event is Brigham Young University, Provo Marriott and MTECH.

“Day of Caring is one way for volunteers to find ways to serve children and families and get to know the needs in our community,” said Kaylie Winterton, volunteer center manager at United Way of Utah County. “The thousands of volunteer hours that will be contributed at Day of Caring will have an impact far into the future.”

Volunteers will serve at 85 project sites, leading STEM or reading activities in schools, painting playground games at elementary schools, and serving at nonprofits and city parks throughout Utah County.

“We work with amazing corporate partners who recognize the importance of contributing to others in our community,” said Bill Hulterstrom, president and CEO of United Way of Utah County. “We are very grateful for companies like Brigham Young University, Utah Valley University, Intermountain Healthcare and Duncan Aviation that make this an important part of their workplace culture.”

Courtesy United Way

The event has grown so much over the years that this year the traditional breakfast kickoff before doing the service projects will be held in two places. The first will be in Provo at Nu Skin Plaza, 75 W. Center Street, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and in Lehi at the Thanksgiving Point Water Tower, 3003 N. Thanksgiving Way, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

In the past, Day of Caring has not only help spruce up school yards and parks they have painted homes, spruce up landscaping and other services at homes of the elderly, lower income and those in special need.

The hope, according to a recent community needs assessment, is to connect people in the community to each other.

Service projects for the 2022 Day of Caring are mostly in Provo with one in Lehi.

Early Learning Essentials, 264 300 N, Provo: Early Learning Essentials partners with parents as the child’s primary educator by providing individualized preschool services. Volunteers will help parents and their children with child development games that facilitate motor skills and learning.

Franklin Elementary, 350 S. 600 W., Provo: While 49% of Utah’s third graders read proficiently at grade level, United Way believes providing support to neighborhood elementary schools is crucial to overcoming this issue. Volunteers will be painting educational playground games and reading in classrooms.

Lehi Elementary, 765 N Center St, Lehi: While 49% of Utah’s third graders read proficiently at grade level, United Way believes providing support to neighborhood elementary schools is crucial to overcoming this issue. Volunteers will be painting educational playground games and reading in classrooms.

South Franklin Community Center, 770 S. 700 W., Provo: The South Franklin Community Center provides tutoring, educational play groups, and health classes to an at-risk population in south Provo. Volunteers will paint, clean and repair the building.

Spring Creek Elementary, 1740 Nevada Ave, Provo: While 49% of Utah’s third graders read proficiently at grade level, United Way believes providing support to neighborhood elementary schools is crucial to overcoming this issue. Volunteers will be painting educational playground games and reading in classrooms.

Recreation and Rehabilitation Services, 815 N 800 W St, Provo: RAH serves adults with special needs by helping them have a social outlet, providing job training and more. Volunteers will landscape, and deep clean the facility.

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