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 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 ExpectA meaningful, hands-on opportunity to honor Oceana County veteransTraining on how to safely and respectfully clean veteran headstonesBreakfast, lunch, and water provided for volunteersA Day of Caring T-shirt, while availableCleaning materials and supplies providedNo previous experience or special skills requiredA chance to serve alongside friends, neighbors, coworkers, and community membersSchedule 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 & BringClosed-toe shoes are requiredWear comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting wet or dirtyDress appropriately for the weather, as this is an outdoor projectBring work gloves if you have them; some will be available for volunteers who need themAll headstone cleaning materials and supplies will be providedSafety 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 LogisticsTransportation

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.

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 the Volunteer Center at dominique@unitedwaylakeshore.org.

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 dominique@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 dominique@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 dominique@unitedwaylakeshore.org for the available sponsor levels.