CHATTANOOGA, Tn (Sept. 23, 2024) — United Way of Greater Chattanooga‘s Day of Caring 2024 saw its largest turnout ever, with more than 900 volunteers completing nearly 60 impactful projects across Chattanooga, highlighting the community’s volunteer spirit. See photos from the day here.
Day of Caring unites local businesses, nonprofits, and community members to enhance public spaces, support local organizations, and address pressing needs. From planting community gardens and painting youth centers to restoring hiking trails, volunteers made a lasting impact on the community.
“It’s incredible to watch Day of Caring continue to grow and inspire more people each year,” said Natalie Patric, Director of Community Engagement at United Way of Greater Chattanooga. “This event truly brings our mission to life—connecting businesses and nonprofits in ways that create meaningful impact for our neighbors well beyond just one day. Hearing the excitement from community members who’ve discovered a cause they’re passionate about and who are eager to get more involved after Day of Caring is what this day is all about.”
42 businesses rallied their employees to participate in Day of Caring 2024. Elder’s Ace Hardware has been a longstanding partner in Day of Caring for over 20 years now, sponsoring the event and volunteering every year.
“Our team at Elder’s Ace Hardware looks forward to Day of Caring every year. It’s an opportunity to come together and connect with nonprofits doing impactful work in our community,” said John Rutter, Director of Marketing at Elder’s Ace Hardware. “We’re honored to be a part of such a meaningful event every year.”
Nonprofit partners played a critical role in identifying projects and hosting volunteers. 32 nonprofit organizations participated in Day of Caring 2024. Lookout Mountain Conservancy hosted 170 Unum volunteers who maintained gardens and built a food forest, while Reflection Riding worked with teams from Elder’s Ace Hardware, Kenco Group, and CBL to restore vital green spaces. Partnership for Families, Children and Adults hosted volunteers across numerous locations to enhance their youth and domestic violence facilities, creating a more welcoming environment for vulnerable residents.
“We are grateful for the more than 80 volunteers who contributed more than 340 hours during Day of Caring to support our programs,” said Kevin Hyde, CEO of Partnership for Families, Children and Adults. “The community volunteers helped us deep clean the River City Youth Collective home for young adults aging out of foster care, tackled indoor and outdoor projects at our transitional home for homeless youth, and created a new lounge for our Deaf community. They also completed several projects at our Domestic Violence Shelter, including upgrading the outdoor play area, painting bedrooms, and organizing our resource center, which provides food and clothing to clients. Help from our community is vital to continuing these essential services—we accomplish more together. Thank you to the United Way and our community for caring for our most vulnerable neighbors.”
Year-round volunteer opportunities are available for those who want to continue making a difference. Visit ihelpchattanooga.org for more information on how to get involved.