Day of Caring

Who makes this happen? 

There would be no Day of Caring without the hundreds of Volunteers, many of whom participate year after year! We welcome: Penn State students, athletic teams, staff & faculty; teams from local businesses, clubs and faith-based organizations; regional school districts, individuals & couples too!

How to get involved:

Sign up for our Day of Caring Volunteer mailing list to receive notifications about volunteering HERE. Or by using the link button above. 

Our Regional Nonprofit Agencies and Organizations are invited annually to submit projects. 

Submit your project proposal here: 2026 Project Registration Form

2026 Dates for you to keep on your calendar: 

• Closing date for proposals is no later than Friday, August 21, 2026.
• Volunteers sign up begins Wednesday, August 25, 2026.
• You will receive volunteer notification no later than Friday September 18, 2026. 

A Few Reminders:

• All non-profit 501(c)3 organizations in Centre County are eligible to submit project proposals for Day of Caring.
• Organizations can access the proposal form on this page in Summer 2026.
• If you would like to be notified when the proposal form opens, subscribe to our Day of Caring Project Submission mailing list HERE.
• Once all project proposals are vetted, approved, and compiled they will be made available for volunteer registration.

Honoring Our Founder: Colonel Gerald Russell

Centre County United Way is proud to honor the legacy of Colonel Gerald Russell, whose vision and passion inspired what has become one of our community's most meaningful traditions.

While serving on the Centre County United Way Board of Directors in the early 1990s, Colonel Russell believed there was another powerful way to support local nonprofit organizations beyond financial contributions. His vision was simple yet transformative: bring volunteers together for a single day of service to complete projects that agencies often lacked the time or resources to accomplish on their own.

That vision became Day of Caring.

Under Colonel Russell's leadership, the event quickly grew as he inspired businesses, community members, and volunteers to roll up their sleeves and make a difference. Even after stepping back from organizing the event, he remained one of its biggest champions—always present with a warm smile, words of encouragement, and an unwavering belief in the power of neighbors helping neighbors.

Colonel Russell passed away in 2014 at the age of 97, but his legacy continues each year through the hundreds of volunteers who come together to serve our community.

Every Day of Caring is a tribute to his enduring belief that when we work together, we can accomplish extraordinary things.

In the early 90’s Colonel Gerald Russell was serving on the Centre County United Way Board of Directors and was passionate to create new ways to assist area agencies beyond supporting them financially – hence, the Day of Caring was born. The event grew quickly as Colonel Russell had a wonderful way to inspire those around him. Russell actively served as a leader of the event and in late years was always there to lend a smile and encouragement. Colonel Russell passed away in 2014 at the age of 97.

No donated dollars to the United Way General Campaign are used to underwrite any Day of Caring costs.