On September 19, United Way of Greater Chattanooga hosted its annual Day of Caring, Chattanooga’s largest single-day volunteering event. This year, it brought together more than 700 volunteers to serve alongside nonprofit organizations across the region. Together, they completed nearly 60 hands-on service projects, all aimed at strengthening the community and supporting neighbors in need. Check out these photos and a highlight reel from the day!
Day of Caring unites local businesses, nonprofits, and community members to enhance public spaces, support local organizations, and address pressing needs. Highlights from this year’s projects included an outdoor beautification project at Bethel Bible Village, the construction of new hammock structures for Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors, and cleaning and organizing CHATT Foundation facilities. Volunteers not only made a tangible impact through these projects but also deepened relationships with the nonprofits they supported, forging connections that will last well beyond the event.
Altogether, this year’s volunteer efforts helped save the community over $73,000 in just one day. These savings allow nonprofits to reinvest in their missions and continue delivering critical services to their communities.
With over 40 local businesses participating, Day of Caring reflects a growing culture of shared responsibility and community involvement across sectors. Nonprofit partners also play a critical role in identifying projects and hosting volunteers. Nearly 60 local nonprofits took part in Day of Caring this year, the most yet.
“This day is a powerful reminder of what makes Chattanooga special,” said Natalie Patric, Director of Community Engagement at United Way of Greater Chattanooga. “When people come together to serve—across industries, neighborhoods, and backgrounds—we build a stronger, more connected community.”
United Way is grateful for Elder’s Ace Hardware’s longstanding support of Day of Caring, sponsoring the event and volunteering every year. “For over 20 years, Elder’s Ace has partnered with United Way to both volunteer and provide supplies for Day of Caring,” said John Rutter, Director of Marketing and Delivery at Elder’s Ace Hardware. “Today, we’re joining with other local businesses and groups to complete volunteer projects for local nonprofits all across our community that are making an impact locally.”
United Way extends its heartfelt thanks to every volunteer, nonprofit, and business that helped make this day possible. Planning is already underway for the first-ever Spring Day of Caring in 2026, offering even more opportunities for community members and businesses to get involved.
Day of Caring is just one piece of the work that United Way does in the community to bring neighbors together for community projects. Learn more about volunteering with United Way of Greater Chattanooga at ihelpchattanooga.org.