On April 17, 2026, more than 400 volunteers rolled up their sleeves to take part in United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s very first Spring Day of Caring. Modeled after United Way’s annual Fall Day of Caring (Chattanooga’s largest single-day volunteer event), the new spring initiative expanded opportunities for community-wide service at a critical time of year.
Sponsored by Unum Group, this special day of service reaches across the region, completing more than 40 projects for local nonprofits.
Spring Day of Caring was created in response to growing community interest in volunteerism. For years, Day of Caring has demonstrated what’s possible when neighbors come together to serve across industries, neighborhoods, and backgrounds. Spring Day of Caring builds on that momentum, creating another opportunity to support local nonprofits during an especially busy season.
“It’s so encouraging to see everyone come out. By noon today, thousands of dollars will have been saved for our local nonprofits, and dozens of projects will be finished. This kind of impact makes some incredible, lasting change in Chattanooga.” said Natalie Patric, Director of Community Engagement at United Way of Greater Chattanooga.
Spring to‑do lists for nonprofits are especially long, making a coordinated day of volunteerism in mid‑April particularly impactful. Just as it does in the fall, Day of Caring brings together local businesses, nonprofits, and community members to enhance public spaces, support local organizations, and address pressing needs. Highlights from this year’s projects included trail maintenance at Stringers Ridge with Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors and SORBA, and neighborhood projects with The Momentum Network.
See photos from the day at this online photo gallery.
Seventeen local businesses and corporate partners are represented at Spring Day of Caring this year. For context, more than 40 local companies participated in the 2025 fall event. This turnout reflects a growing culture of shared responsibility and community involvement across sectors in Chattanooga.
United Way of Greater Chattanooga extends a special thank you to Unum Group for sponsoring this special day of impact. “Spring Day of Caring is a chance for our community to come together and support the work United Way is leading across Chattanooga. Unum is proud to be part of an effort that brings people, organizations, and service together across the city.” said Rachel Hargis, Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility at Unum.
“Like everything we do, it’s been a big team effort across the community,” said Emory Evans, Community Engagement Coordinator at United Way of Greater Chattanooga. “We’re so grateful to our neighbors for volunteering, and for the enthusiasm we’ve felt from other partners in the community. We’re especially grateful to the teams at the new Erlanger Park and Creature Comforts Brewing Co. – they’re helping us throw an afterparty for the volunteers in some really generous ways.”
The celebration of local volunteerism will continue with an afterparty at the Creature Comforts Brewing Co. beer garden. With live music, a food truck, and a Lookouts baseball game at the new Erlanger Park next door, it will be a true celebration of Chattanooga.
Day of Caring is just one piece of United Way’s work to bring neighbors together for community-wide impact. To learn more and get involved locally, visit United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s online volunteer center, ihelpchattanooga.org.