Submitted photo
Volunteers at a previous year’s annual Day of Caring enjoy breakfast at Kishacoquillas Park in Lewistown.

LEWISTOWN — The United Way of Mifflin-Juniata is beginning to prepare for its 28th annual Day Of Caring, which is set to take place on Sept. 17.

The Day of Caring takes place every year on the third Wednesday of September and is a day for non-profits and local community agencies to identify their needs and project proposals to United Way. Then, companies and organizations sign up to complete those projects in groups.

The ‘Day of Caring’ is a great way for businesses to give back to the community and spend quality time with co-workers outside of their normal work environment, and also a great way for non-profits and agencies to get the help they have been needing.

Organizers say there are many benefits that come with the Day of Caring, not only for the agencies and non-profits but also for the volunteers. “It makes them feel like part of the community. It makes them feel good about doing something positive for the community,” Community Impact Coordinator for the United Way Holly Dean explained.

United Way is seeking volunteers to partake in the Day of Caring. Volunteers will work in their groups to complete different projects depending on what the agency is in need of. Anyone can volunteer to help with the Day of Caring.

Over the years, Volunteers have ranged drastically in age. “Anyone is eligible to work,” United Way Executive Director Colette Hartzler explained “We have even had teen groups participate, which is great for exposing young people to the idea of volunteering.”

The Mifflin County School District retirees group has also participated for multiple years.

Anyone who wants to participate is able. If you have questions about restrictions, it is best to reach out and call the office at (717) 248-9636.

Every Day of Caring starts with breakfast for the volunteers. In Mifflin County, the breakfast is provided by the Kwanis club and is held at Kish park, and in Mifflintown, breakfast is provided by the Lions Club and is held at Messiah Lutheran Church.

Every group then goes somewhere different to complete a project. Last year, there were more than 380 volunteers and 46 different projects were completed. This year, some of the projects include: St. Johns Daycare and Preschool, shelters, Lewistown Community Garden, multiple playgrounds, and Mifflin and Juniata libraries. At these locations, groups can be expected to be working on landscaping projects, painting projects, power washing, cleaning, and many other project specific tasks . For example, the Fayette Community Civil War School building will be having a group wash the windows and floors, while the 2025 and new 2026 leadership classes will be working on the Rainbow Bridge at Kish Park.

This day full of service and community is a great way to give back and impact so many people and places. Executive Director Colette Hartzler shared, “It brings the community together. It’s a day when our community stands with our local nonprofit partners and lends a hand. It’s truly an inspiring day.”

There is still time to register a team of volunteers or register for an agency project if interested in participating.

The deadline for registration is Aug. 15, in order for United Way to prepare T-shirts for each participant. More information, and registration forms can be found on www.mjunitedway.org or by calling the United Way office at (717) 248-9636.