SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Hundreds of volunteers rolled up their sleeves across Central New York for United Way’s “Day of Caring,” lending a hand to local nonprofits with projects ranging from painting and pulling weeds to cleaning up community spaces.
But for many volunteers, the day was about more than what could be accomplished in a few hours. It was also a reminder of the role nonprofits play in the community — and the support they need long after the workday ends.
“These are pillars of our community, right? These are places that bring people together who maybe wouldn’t come together,” volunteer Tracy Bruno said.
That message comes as United Way of Central New York encourages the community to support local nonprofits in more ways than one. After years of declining campaign revenue, the organization is asking people to pair volunteerism with continued financial support by donating directly to local nonprofits.
“They help so many different facets of our community, whether it’s education, transportation, health, just so many different facets of our lives,” volunteer Mark Muthambi said.
At the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, the extra hands helped tackle work that can be difficult for staff to get to while focusing on their day-to-day responsibilities.
“It’s wonderful because it gives me the opportunity to see all the little details. So when they come in and do all this volunteer work, it really helps us out,” said Cameron Covert of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.
While Day of Caring lasts just one day, volunteers said the need to support the organizations serving Central New York does not.
“Just do it. We’re all busy, jobs, personal lives, it’s a lot. We’re all managing a lot. But when you get here… the feeling, the excitement… knowing you’re making an impact, second to none,” Bruno said.
United Way is encouraging people to carry that momentum forward through its “Show Up, Raise Up” campaign. Through the United Way of Central New York website, people can connect with partner nonprofits and donate directly to the organizations they choose.