Volunteer for Day of Caring 2026 – Oceana County
Friday, September 11, 2026
Join United Way of the Lakeshore for Oceana County Day of Caring, a community-wide day of service bringing volunteers together to honor local veterans and care for an important community space.
This registration is specifically for volunteers participating in our Veteran Headstone Cleaning Project at Hart Township Cemetery.
Volunteers will begin the morning together at the Oceana County Council on Aging for registration, breakfast, and our Day of Caring kickoff before traveling to Hart Township Cemetery. There, volunteers will receive an orientation on proper headstone cleaning techniques before working together to respectfully clean and care for veteran headstones.
Individuals and teams are welcome! If you’re participating with a workplace, organization, or other group, please include your team or organization name when registering. Individual volunteers are also encouraged to join us.
Other Day of Caring Projects
Additional volunteers will be participating in our Veterans History Project and Flag Disposal Box Project. This registration form is only for the Veteran Headstone Cleaning Project.
For questions about the other projects or Oceana County Day of Caring, contact Dom Bunker at dominique@unitedwaylakeshore.org.
What You Can Expect
- A meaningful, hands-on opportunity to honor Oceana County veterans
- Training on how to safely and respectfully clean veteran headstones
- Breakfast, lunch, and water provided for volunteers
- A Day of Caring T-shirt, while available
- Cleaning materials and supplies provided
- No previous experience or special skills required
- A chance to serve alongside friends, neighbors, coworkers, and community members
Schedule for the Day
8:00–9:00 AM | Volunteer Check-In & Breakfast
Oceana County Council on Aging
Volunteers may arrive anytime between 8:00 and 9:00 AM to check in, enjoy breakfast, receive their Day of Caring materials, and connect with fellow volunteers.
9:00 AM | Day of Caring Kickoff
We’ll officially kick off the day together before volunteers head to their assigned projects.
9:15 AM | Depart for Hart Township Cemetery
Volunteers will travel to:
Hart Township Cemetery
W. Tyler Road & N. 72nd Avenue
Hart, MI 49420
9:30 AM | Headstone Cleaning Orientation
United Way will provide instructions on proper cleaning techniques, supplies, and how we can respectfully care for veteran headstones.
9:45 AM–12:00 PM | Veteran Headstone Cleaning
12:00 PM | Lunch Break
Lunch will be provided for volunteers.
1:00 PM | Project Cleanup Begins
We’ll begin gathering supplies, cleaning the work area, and wrapping up our service project.
By 2:00 PM | Day of Caring Concludes
What to Wear & Bring
- Closed-toe shoes are required
- Wear comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting wet or dirty
- Dress appropriately for the weather, as this is an outdoor project
- Bring work gloves if you have them; some will be available for volunteers who need them
- All headstone cleaning materials and supplies will be provided
- Safety equipment will be provided when needed
Please do not bring or use personal cleaning chemicals or tools on cemetery headstones unless instructed by the project leaders. We will provide the appropriate materials and guidance to ensure stones are cleaned safely and respectfully.
Other Important Logistics
Transportation
Volunteers are responsible for transportation from the Oceana County Council on Aging to Hart Township Cemetery and for transportation home following the project. Carpooling is encouraged.
Lunch & Dietary Needs
Lunch will be provided at the project site. Vegetarian options will be available. Vegan and gluten-free meals can be provided upon request by emailing dominique@unitedwaylakeshore.org.
Water
Bottled water will be available at the kickoff. Volunteers are encouraged to take water with them to the cemetery and stay hydrated throughout the project.
Weather
This project will take place outdoors. Please dress appropriately for the weather. United Way will communicate with registered volunteers if severe weather requires changes to the project.
Accessibility
We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible Day of Caring experience.
Please note that the Veteran Headstone Cleaning Project takes place outdoors in a cemetery and may involve walking or standing on uneven grassy terrain, bending, kneeling, and light physical activity.
If you need an accommodation or would like to discuss whether this project is a good fit for you, please contact dominique@unitedwaylakeshore.org or include a note with your registration.
We kindly ask volunteers to avoid wearing strong fragrances out of respect for others’ sensitivities.
Thank you for giving your time to honor those who served. Together, we can care for an important piece of Oceana County history while showing our veterans and their families that their service is remembered.
Looking for more information?
Visit the United Way of the Lakeshore Day of Caring website for more information about Day of Caring across the Lakeshore.
Interested in sponsoring Day of Caring? Contact dominique@unitedwaylakeshore.org for available sponsorship opportunities.
