Our agency is not a United Way Funded Partner – may we still participate in Day of Caring?

Absolutely! Day of Caring is open to all nonprofits, community organizations, service clubs, etc.

What kinds of projects do nonprofits submit for Day of Caring?

It depends on the needs of your organization, creativity and resources. Projects have included but are not limited to: yardwork, painting, landscaping, deep cleaning, disseminating flyers, supply/pantry organization, donation room sorting, fence building, assembly of furniture and playground equipment, construction of Little Free Libraries, delivering flowers to home-bound neighbors, creating welcome kits for shelter guests, clerical or administrative projects such as bulk mail collation, etc.

I have questions about whether or not our project would be a good fit.
Ask us! Just send an email to campaign@uwolc.org and we’ll do our best to accommodate you. Safety is our top priority. United Way reviews all project requests and reserves the right to refuse any, for any reason.

What will our agency need to do to prepare for Day of Caring?
We suggest appointing a Project Lead for each project within your organization. This person is responsible for planning, gathering supplies, developing instructions, etc. If you’re a lean team, consider asking a board member or volunteer to step up to the plate. If you have satellite locations, you should have a Project Lead at each facility. Please keep safety top of mind in all preparations.

Is there cost associated with Day of Caring?
Yes, depending on your projects. Nonprofits hosting Day of Caring projects are responsible for providing any required supplies, materials, tools, equipment, etc. for the completion of your project(s). Many agencies are resourceful to ensure cost effective projects, such as borrowing or renting equipment, seeking donations, etc. The in-kind human capital or sweat equity presents huge cost savings! 

May we submit more than one Day of Caring project?
Yes, you’re welcome to submit multiple projects but please complete a separate registration form for each one.

May we ask volunteers to bring items along?
Yes, but your agency is responsible for required supplies, materials, tools, equipment, etc. Helpful reminders you may suggest to volunteers include work or gardening gloves, sunscreen, bug spray, kneeling pads, etc.

Should our agency plan to provide lunch for Day of Caring volunteers?
Yes. Nonprofits can provide lunch for Day of Caring volunteers. Some volunteers prefer to do lunch on their own, but agencies can offer it.

What is something agencies forget to do on the Day of Caring?
Often agencies are so focused on the task or projects at hand, they forget to seize the opportunity to educate and inspire Day of Caring volunteers about their mission. Warmly welcome volunteers with a brief tour, talk about why your agency exists and the value it brings to our community. Remember, there may be potential volunteers, donors or allies on-site. Last but not least, don’t forget to say thank you!

Lea County weather is unpredictable …
Indeed! Please be prepared to keep volunteers hydrated throughout the day. You may also consider having on hand extra fans, umbrellas, etc.

Is there an alternative Day of Caring date in the event of inclement weather?
No. Given the myriad logistics associated with this event, we are unable to schedule a make-up day. Volunteer teams and project sites are encouraged to connect directly to discuss inside projects, make alternative arrangements, etc.

Will additional communication on Day of Caring be provided?
Yes, after you register a project, we will be in contact. You will also receive notification of what teams have been assigned to your project(s) after registration closes. That communique will include additional info in advance of the event. Otherwise, submit questions to campaign@uwolc.org.

Should we publicize our Day of Caring participation via social media?
Absolutely! Before and after photos are awesome. Please post directly to United Way of Lea County's Facebook Page or our Instagram Page. Use the hashtags: #DayofCaring #LiveUnited

COVID-19 Concerns
We carefully review all Day of Caring project submissions with COVID-19 precaution in mind. We’ll keep in close contact with the New Mexico Health Department as the event draws nearer and reserve the right to make adjustments as needed. Thanks for your care in helping us all stay well.