Needs From: United Way of the Lakeshore

Volunteer for Day of Caring 2026 – Oceana County

Friday, September 11, 2026

Join United Way of the Lakeshore for our annual Day of Caring, a community-wide day of service bringing volunteers together to support local non-profit agencies and community spaces across Oceana County.

In 2026, Day of Caring in Oceana will take place on Friday, September 11. Together, we’ll gather in the morning for breakfast and a celebratory kick-off before heading out to volunteer projects. 

This registration is for both individuals and teams. If you’re part of a team, please include your team or organization name when registering. If you’re not part of a team—no worries! Individual volunteers are welcome and will be matched with a meaningful project.

Questions? Contact Sara Sherwood at sara@unitedwaylakeshore.org or (231) 332-4010.

Project applications are currently being accepted and reviewed; projects will be announced in early August 2026. Interested in applying or nominating a project? Fill out the form HERE.

What You Can Expect

A meaningful, hands-on volunteer experience supporting local non-profits and community spaces

Breakfast, lunch, and water provided for all volunteers

A free Day of Caring T-shirt, thanks to our sponsors, to all volunteers who sign up by August 7th. T-shirts for anyone registering after August 7th will be assigned based on the sizes available and date of registration.

All materials and tools provided (no special skills required)

A fun and fulfilling day serving alongside friends, neighbors, coworkers, and community members

Sample Schedule for the Day

(Subject to change based on assigned project)

8:00 AM – Volunteer Check-In & Breakfast

8:30 AM – Kickoff Celebration

9:00 AM – Travel to Assigned Volunteer Sites

12:00–1:00 PM – Lunch Delivered to Volunteer Sites

Early–Mid Afternoon – Project Wrap-Up
(End times will vary by project and scope of work)

What to Wear & Bring

Closed-toe shoes (required)

Comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting dirty
(Dress for the weather and your comfort)

Work gloves if you have them (some will be available at the kick-off breakfast for those who don't have any)

Safety glasses will be provided when needed for tasks involving tools

Other Important Logistics

Transportation
Volunteers are responsible for getting themselves to and from their assigned sites. Carpooling is encouraged.

Restrooms
Restroom access or portable restrooms will be available at each project site.

Lunch & Dietary Needs
Lunch will be delivered to your site and will include vegetarian options. Vegan and gluten-free lunch can be provided upon request by emailing sara@unitedwaylakeshore.org.

Water
Bottled water will be available at the kickoff for you to pick up and transport to your project site.

Accessibility

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible experience for all volunteers.
To request an accommodation or inquire about accessibility, please email sara@unitedwaylakeshore.org or include a note in your registration.

We kindly ask that attendees avoid wearing strong fragrances out of respect for others’ sensitivities.

Thank you for being part of the change. Your time and energy help build a stronger, more caring Oceana County.

Looking for more information?

Check out the Day of Caring website!Interested in sponsoring? Email sara@unitedwaylakeshore.org for the available sponsor levels.

Volunteer for Day of Caring 2026 – Newaygo County

Friday, September 25, 2026

Join United Way of the Lakeshore for our annual Day of Caring, a community-wide day of service bringing volunteers together to support local non-profit agencies and community spaces across Newaygo County.

In 2026, Day of Caring in Newaygo will take place on Friday, September 25. Together, we’ll gather in the morning for breakfast and a celebratory kick-off before heading out to volunteer projects. 

This registration is for both individuals and teams. If you’re part of a team, please include your team or organization name when registering. If you’re not part of a team—no worries! Individual volunteers are welcome and will be matched with a meaningful project.

Questions? Contact Sara Sherwood at sara@unitedwaylakeshore.org or (231) 332-4010.

Project applications are currently being accepted and reviewed; projects will be announced in early August 2026. Interested in applying or nominating a project? Fill out the form HERE.

What You Can Expect

A meaningful, hands-on volunteer experience supporting local non-profits and community spaces

Breakfast, lunch, and water provided for all volunteers

A free Day of Caring T-shirt, thanks to our sponsors, to all volunteers who sign up by August 7th. T-shirts for anyone registering after August 7th will be assigned based on the sizes available and date of registration.

All materials and tools provided (no special skills required)

A fun and fulfilling day serving alongside friends, neighbors, coworkers, and community members

Sample Schedule for the Day

(Subject to change based on assigned project)

8:00 AM – Volunteer Check-In & Breakfast

8:30 AM – Kickoff Celebration

9:00 AM – Travel to Assigned Volunteer Sites

12:00–1:00 PM – Lunch Delivered to Volunteer Sites

Early–Mid Afternoon – Project Wrap-Up
(End times will vary by project and scope of work)

What to Wear & Bring

Closed-toe shoes (required)

Comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting dirty
(Dress for the weather and your comfort)

Work gloves if you have them (some will be available at the kick-off breakfast for those who don't have any)

Safety glasses will be provided when needed for tasks involving tools

Other Important Logistics

Transportation
Volunteers are responsible for getting themselves to and from their assigned sites. Carpooling is encouraged.

Restrooms
Restroom access or portable restrooms will be available at each project site.

Lunch & Dietary Needs
Lunch will be delivered to your site and will include vegetarian options. Vegan and gluten-free lunch can be provided upon request by emailing sara@unitedwaylakeshore.org.

Water
Bottled water will be available at the kickoff for you to pick up and transport to your project site.

Accessibility

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible experience for all volunteers.
To request an accommodation or inquire about accessibility, please email sara@unitedwaylakeshore.org or include a note in your registration.

We kindly ask that attendees avoid wearing strong fragrances out of respect for others’ sensitivities.

Thank you for being part of the change. Your time and energy help build a stronger, more caring Newaygo County.

Looking for more information?

Check out the Day of Caring website!Interested in sponsoring? Email sara@unitedwaylakeshore.org for the available sponsor levels.