United Way ‘Day of Caring’ highlights power of community coordination
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- Volunteers clear weeds at a playground during the United Way “Day of Caring” on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (United Way of Utah County)
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- Volunteers enjoy breakfast prior to working on projects as part of the United Way “Day of Caring” in Provo on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (United Way of Utah County)
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- Volunteers enjoy breakfast prior to working on projects as part of the United Way “Day of Caring” in Provo on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (United Way of Utah County)
So many people feel that serving in their community is important, but sometimes it’s difficult to know where to start.
At the annual United Way of Utah County “Day of Caring,” though, finding a way to make a difference was as simple as showing up.
“The Day of Caring is a miracle each year,” said Bill Hulterstrom, President and CEO of the United Way of Utah County. “It takes lots of hard work from literally scores of volunteers who lead their projects, to my great United Way team who coordinates and identifies and becomes the expert of these projects, to the partners in the schools and these agencies who work together. It all just comes together in a way to make a phenomenal difference.”
This year the event incorporated approximately 2,000 volunteers working on 85 projects at 67 different locations throughout Utah Valley, from Santaquin to Lehi to Eagle Mountain.
“You could probably put a dollar value to some of the products that were done, but far beyond that is the value of community coming together,” Hulterstrom said. “People of different interests and perspectives find a way to come together and serve each other. People come with different political backgrounds and different upbringings but all find a way, saying, ‘Hey, the children in our community matter. Let’s do something together about it.’ That’s hard not to get excited about.”
He described visiting one elementary school where volunteers were coming to do service.
“Rock Canyon Elementary School had a little assembly to welcome the volunteers, and the volunteers were very emotional,” Hulterstrom said. “The kids were excited. What a great chance to get people back into our schools and realize what good community we have. Watching, I’m always confused on whether the program recipients or the volunteers have bigger smiles on their faces. The joy you see from both sides can’t help but make your day.”
The United Way of Utah County has been organizing the “Day of Caring” for 33 years now with the stated purpose of bringing “businesses, public partners, schools and non-profits together for one concentrated day of service.” They see it as a gateway to facilitating broader community involvement.
“What keeps happening literally is the volunteer effort is getting stronger, the impact is getting deeper, and — probably even more important — the connection that volunteering on one day makes to realizing what you can do the rest of the year keeps growing,” Hulterstrom said.
He hopes more individuals, organizations and businesses see the opportunity and decide they want to participate as well.
“The Day of Caring is designed to help us not only on that day, but also get people connected to things they can do year round to help support the community,” Hultertrom said. “If any organization wants to be more involved and find a way to involve their employees in particular year round, please give us a call.”
The United Way of Utah County can be reached at 801-374-2588 or info@unitedwayuc.org.
The bottom line is that the “Day of Caring” shows what is possible in Utah Valley.
“It’s just amazing what great things we can do when we all work together,” Hulterstrom said.
