Every September, a wave of orange (this year) shirts sweep across the Northern Shenandoah Valley, signaling a day when the community comes together for a singular purpose: to give back. This is Day of Caring, an annual event organized by the United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley, and it's more than just a day of volunteerism—it's a celebration of community spirit, corporate partnership, and the power of collective action.
In this episode of "The Valley Today," host Janet Michael sat down with Andy Gail, CEO of United Way NSV, and Beth Falu, Assistant Vice President of Fraud Operations at Navy Federal Credit Union and chair of Day of Caring, to discuss the origins, evolution, and impact of this remarkable event.
Mobilizing a Movement
Day of Caring is not just a local phenomenon; it's part of a global United Way tradition that mobilizes thousands of volunteers to support their communities. As Andy explains, the event's power lies in its scale: "It's great if you can volunteer two hours here, three hours there, but think about if you could get a thousand people in one day to volunteer—what that impact would be." In the Northern Shenandoah Valley, that impact is visible across Winchester, Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Shenandoah, and Page counties, where nearly a thousand volunteers fan out to tackle projects for nonprofits, schools, and community organizations.
Evolving Opportunities
While Day of Caring has long been associated with hands-on projects like painting, landscaping, and building ramps, this year marks a significant evolution. Under Beth's leadership, the event has expanded to include administrative and professional services. "Our volunteers have so many skills," Beth notes. "We want to evolve our volunteer opportunities to cater to all of our volunteer skill sets." Now, teams can help with marketing, office organization, and even Excel spreadsheets, ensuring that every volunteer can contribute in a meaningful way.
Corporate Champions and Community Partners
The event's success is fueled by a diverse array of sponsors, from large corporations like First Bank and Navy Federal to local businesses and mom-and-pop shops. "There was every size business imaginable on that list," Janet observes, highlighting the region's unique spirit of collaboration. These sponsors don't just write checks—they send teams of employees into the field, fostering camaraderie and a sense of purpose among staff.
Beth shares stories of volunteers who travel from as far as Northern Virginia to participate, and Andy recalls his own experience as a nonprofit leader benefiting from Day of Caring before joining United Way. The event, he says, is a lifeline for organizations that lack the resources to complete essential projects.
A Day of Celebration and Connection
Day of Caring is as much about celebration as it is about service. The day begins with a lively kickoff event at Shenandoah University, complete with coffee, breakfast, music, and motivational words from community leaders. After a day of hard work, volunteers and their families gather at West Oaks Farm Market for an after-party, enjoying food, networking, and even sparklers to "spark change."
The event also coincides with the conclusion of the Community Baby Shower, a collaborative effort to collect supplies for new mothers in need. Donations are gathered at local First Bank branches and Marlow dealerships, then assembled into kits for distribution by Healthy Families, further amplifying the day's impact.
Lasting Impact and Growing Momentum
The ripple effects of Day of Caring extend far beyond a single day. Volunteers return to work energized and inspired, often bringing their families and colleagues into the fold for future events. Nonprofits receive much-needed support, and the community as a whole is strengthened by the connections forged through shared service.
As Beth reflects, "It's so contagious… people just had such a great day. It was very impactful for them and they're just sharing the news." Andy encourages nonprofits to continue submitting projects and invites anyone interested to visit the newly refreshed United Way NSV website for more information.
In a world where it's easy to feel disconnected, Day of Caring stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together. Whether you're wielding a paintbrush, crunching numbers, or simply sharing a meal, every act of caring adds up to something extraordinary.
For more information or to get involved in next year's Day of Caring, visit unitedwaynsv.org/dayofcaring.
