September 18, 2024 – The annual United Way Laurence E. Richardson Day of Caring happens every September when teams of people volunteer to complete special projects at regional nonprofits, schools, and faith-based organizations. The first Day of Caring took place in 1992 and began with only 50 volunteers. The United Way of Greater Charlottesville services surrounding counties including Charlottesville, Albemarle, Fluvanna, Louisa, Nelson, and Greene. This year’s impact is estimated to include over 150 projects, over 1,900 volunteers, over 7,500 hours of service, and more than a $300,000 value back to the community. This year’s Day of Caring T-shirt was a special edition. Zikki Munyao, a local artist and United Way advisory counsel member, designed the artwork featured on the front of the shirt.
This year, the UVA Center for Diabetes Technology participated at Camp Holiday Trails (CHT). CHT is a year-round nonprofit camp in a natural setting at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Central Virginia. CHT was incorporated as a nonprofit in 1973 and, since that time, has provided over 10,000 kids with medical needs the opportunity to experience a positive camp experience. Their Campers, and their siblings, aged 7-17, are welcomed from throughout the United States, with the majority coming from the Mid-Atlantic region.
Our day started off at the Day of Caring Kickoff Breakfast hosted at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital. Where we celebrated the power of community service and volunteerism, and fueled up for the day with breakfast and coffee. They also announced the 2024 Caring for Community Honorees and the Volunteer of the Year Honoree. The CDT volunteers didn’t let the rain stop them in joining more than 50 others to tackle projects at CHT. We helped with organizing the medical supplies, inventory closet, and the cookware and dry goods pantry. The CDT always has a blast on the Day of Caring and we can’t wait to sign up again next year!
By: Madison Maloney (mgm3t@virginia.edu)