News

Over 2,300 Volunteers UNITE to Transform the Valley in a Single Day of Service at United Way’s 31st Day of Caring, Presented by Crayola

More than 2,300 energetic volunteers UNITED to complete community service projects at 81 area nonprofits during the 31st United Way Day of Caring, presented by Crayola and coordinated by Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley.

“At United Way, our shared work is rooted in service. Day of Caring is a special moment for our community to come together and support the nonprofits that serve us all. It’s incredible to see how this event has grown, with more volunteers than ever before stepping up to make a difference. This day reminds us that everyone has something to give, and by volunteering, we create a sense of belonging and purpose that strengthens our community,” said Marci Lesko, United Way Chief Executive Officer.

United Way kicks off its annual campaign with Day of Caring, which is the largest single- day volunteer effort in the community.

“Today marks the beginning of our annual United Way campaign, and there’s no better way to kick it off than with Day of Caring. Watching so many companies join forces to support local nonprofits is truly inspiring. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact we can make when we come together as a community,” said 2024 United Way Campaign Chair Chris Martin of Martin Guitar.

In the Greater Lehigh Valley, approximately 1,500 local employees from 60 companies and organizations contributed more than 8,000 hours of service valued at $267,920 to more than 81 nonprofits in Lehigh and Northampton counties. The volunteers were joined by 800 Moravian University students as part of their Heritage Day—a celebration of Moravian tradition, community and service. Some Day of Caring projects included:

• Planting trees in Bethlehem with PPL and Wildlands Conversancy
• Landscaping and yard work with Martin Guitar at Hellertown Historical Society
• Gardening with Crayola at Children’s Home of Easton
• Reorganizing storage spaces with Air Products at Boys & Girls Club of Allentown
• Organizing the children’s library and beautifying outdoor spaces with Just Born Quality Confections at the Allentown branch of River Crossing YMCA

“At the Volunteer Center, connecting volunteers with local nonprofits is what we do best. This partnership is a significant benefit to nonprofits, giving them access to a dedicated network of volunteers eager to help. This year, we’re seeing our largest corporate team mobilization with 1,500 volunteers joined by 800 Moravian University students to support 81 local nonprofits. Our collaboration with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley creates a powerful impact on the community while offering businesses a valuable team-building experience for their employees,” said Karen Daly Smith, CEO, Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley.

Day of Caring’s presenting sponsor is Crayola with additional support from:

• Platinum Sponsor JP Morgan Chase & Co.;
• Silver Sponsors Air Products and Capital Blue Cross;
• Bronze Sponsors AAA East Central, B. Braun Medical Inc., Buckeye Partners LP, Highmark Blue Shield, Just Born Quality Confections and KingSpry Law;
• Pearl Sponsor Amazon Fulfillment;
• In-kind contributors ABARTA Coca-Cola, ASR Media, Lehigh Valley IronPigs and Uline.