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Day of Caring volunteers work on landscaping at the Provo City Cemetery during the United Way Day of Caring on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023.

Courtesy Nate Edwards/BYU Photo

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Volunteers paint games on the Franklin Elementary School playground during the United Way Day of Caring on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023.

Courtesy Nate Edwards/BYU Photo

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Keith Vorkink, vice president of advancement at Brigham Young University, cooks while BYU President Shane Reese and Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi help out at the United Way Day of Caring on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023.

Courtesy Nate Edwards/BYU Photo

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Volunteers gather for breakfast before beginning projects at the United Way Day of Caring on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023.

Courtesy Nate Edwards/BYU Photo

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This year’s Day of Caring was one for the record books in Utah County. The event not only celebrated 60 years of United Way and 30 years of Day of Caring, but it featured more than 1,500 volunteers from 45 companies that completed more than 70 projects throughout the county.

United Way’s Day of Caring is an annual day of service that takes place on the second Thursday of September. Organizations across the county come together to complete various projects that benefit the community in three focus areas of education, health and financial stability.

“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 Kayla Bradshaw, Volunteer Center director at United Way of Utah County. “The thousands of volunteer hours contributed at Day of Caring have an impact far into the future.”

This year, volunteers served at 35 schools throughout Utah County to paint playground games, read to students, and do STEM activities focused on science, technology, engineering and math with a goal of promoting healthy brain development, innovation and teamwork in order to increase emotion regulation, develop listening skills and expand understanding of the world.

Other projects included beautification and maintenance of nine parks and gardens.

Volunteers also completed special projects at 28 other agencies and nonprofits that provide education, health care, child care, literacy and food security to low-income or other in-need populations. In a statement, one volunteer said, “I am always so amazed at how grateful the facilities are that are receiving the work. We love doing this and look forward to it every year.”

Volunteers came from companies like Brigham Young University, Utah Valley University, Duncan Aviation, Mountainland Technical College, Verisk, Utah Community Credit Union, Revere Health, Texas Instruments, Costco, Intermountain Health, NuSkin, Squire, Nestle, Zions Bank and more.

“Day of Caring volunteers exemplify and promote the good in our community. Thank you to everyone who made this Day of Caring one of the best yet,” said Bill Hulterstrom, president and CEO of United Way of Utah County. “Here’s to another 60 amazing years to come!”