Jaren Wilkey/BYU

Volunteers participate in the Day of Caring kickoff breakfast.

Bill Hulterstrom, president and CEO of United Way of Utah County

Just last week, United Way of Utah County was able to host its 32nd Day of Caring event. Each September, we organize scores of volunteer projects in partnership with many incredible nonprofit agencies and local schools across Utah County for Day of Caring. There are a wide variety of projects that get completed each Day of Caring, from playground painting and reading activities at local schools to renovating much-loved service agency buildings.

From its humble beginnings a few decades ago, Day of Caring has expanded to include thousands of volunteers each year, and it is wonderful to see how much good can be done in one short day. And after the distressing events of last week, it was amazing to see so many people come together in unity of purpose to make a difference in our community.

Day of Caring has long been one of my favorite events of the year. From the kick-off breakfast early in the morning to the last supply drop off at the end of the day, volunteers from all corners of the county dedicate their time and effort to helping others. It is so inspiring to meet these volunteers and learn more about why they choose to volunteer.

This year, more than 2,000 volunteers from 50 companies completed projects at nearly 70 locations. Projects were held all across Utah County, from Santaquin to American Fork to Eagle Mountain. These project sites included 36 schools from Provo, Nebo and Alpine school districts. It’s hard to fathom the impact that each of these volunteers and projects will have on our community.

Jaren Wilkey/BYU

As I visited various sites that day and saw how Day of Caring brings together people who care, it occurred to me how many amazing community members have been connected to United Way through their workplaces but with whom we have now lost touch because they have retired. During their careers, they found meaningful ways to support our community programs. The good they did wasn’t just limited to a project they helped complete on Day of Caring.

Their willingness to come together, to meet others who are different from them and to give of their own time and talents in partnership with other volunteers has ripple effects that will last far beyond the time when all Day of Caring paintbrushes are washed and tools are put away.

This unity that comes from getting to know each other is so crucial to our lives, our neighborhoods and our community. At a time when it seems like divisions are becoming deeper, taking a conscious effort to learn more about each other is the only way to heal divides and strengthen communities.

I feel that recently I have been asked more and more by these wonderful community members about ways to stay involved, so I would like to list a number of great opportunities for staying involved in the community during your golden years.

Donate. Employees who donated to United Way through their employers can still support their favorite United Way programs by donating directly to United Way through a one-time gift, recurring credit card gifts or gifts-in-kind of goods and services.

Aaron Cornia/BYU Photo

Tax-smart giving. One way to help support United Way and leave a lasting legacy on your community is by donating through a will. There are also options to donate property, securities, through an IRA or from a donor advised funds. It is also possible to make United Way a beneficiary of an IRA or insurance policy.

Volunteer. Many of our retired friends find themselves with a little extra time on their hands. Their amazing skills developed throughout their lives are extremely valuable in many of the United Way programs. Volunteers can help prepare taxes, tutor young children, teach music classes, provide unique experiences and support young parents.

Build connections. In our own neighborhoods and family circles, we all have an opportunity to build and strengthen relationships and therefore strengthen our communities as a whole. We can regularly read to our grandchildren, get to know our neighbors or support a loved one through a difficult time.

I feel such overwhelming feelings of gratitude for the amazing community members who are doing great things every day. We invite those we may have lost touch with us to find a way to reconnect. We look forward to finding ways to partner together for many more years to come.

To learn more about ways you can use your strengths to support United Way and our community, visit unitedwayuc.org.

Courtesy United Way of Utah County

Bill Hulterstrom is president and CEO of United Way of Utah County.