Day of Caring is United Way of the Lakeshore’s largest volunteer mobilization, bringing together businesses, nonprofits, students, and neighbors for a day of hands-on service.
From painting and beautification projects to organizing spaces and outdoor cleanups, volunteers work side by side to create visible impact in a single day.
This fall, Day of Caring continues across Oceana and Newaygo Counties — and we’re inviting the community to help shape what those days look like.
Friday, September 11, 2026 | Oceana County
Friday, September 25, 2026 | Newaygo County
What to Expect
Oceana County
Friday, September 11, 2026
Kickoff Location
Oceana Council on Aging
4250 W. Tyler Road
Hart, MI 49420
8:00 AM - Volunteer registration and complimentary breakfast
8:45 AM - Welcome, announcements, and project assignments
9:15 AM - Volunteers depart for project sites
Early Afternoon - Projects conclude (times vary by project). All projects are concluded at 3:00 PM.
Newaygo County
Friday, September 25, 2026
Kickoff Location
Camp Newaygo – Main Hall
5333 S S Centerline Road
Newaygo, MI 49337
8:00 AM - Volunteer registration and complimentary breakfast
8:45 AM - Welcome, announcements, and project assignments
9:15 AM - Volunteers depart for project sites
Early Afternoon - Projects conclude (times vary by project) | All Projects will be finished by 3:00 PM
Volunteer Registration Now Open!
Whether you’re an individual, a family, or a workplace team, Day of Caring is an opportunity to:
Serve alongside your community
Build connections
Make a visible difference
Check back soon for additional registration details and project announcements.
Who Can Participate?
Day of Caring is open to everyone. Volunteers are welcome to participate as individuals or as part of a team, including:
Community members
Friends and family groups
Corporate and workplace teams
School groups and students
Nonprofit staff groups
Neighborhood associations
Service clubs and faith-based groups
No special skills are required. Projects are designed to be welcoming, accessible, and impactful. Whether you volunteer with coworkers, classmates, friends, or on your own, your time and energy help create real, visible change across Newaygo & Oceana Counties!
Featured Projects:
Every Day of Caring project is selected to meet a real community need while creating a lasting impact. This year's projects include opportunities to beautify public spaces, preserve local history, honor our veterans, and improve community resources.
Newaygo County (September 25):
Veterans History Project - Help preserve the stories of local veterans by assisting with interviews and documentation that will be shared with future generations.
Veterans Memorial Headstone Cleaning - Honor those who served by helping clean and restore veterans' headstones at local cemeteries.
Camp Newaygo Wetland Trail - Help improve Camp Newaygo's Wetland Trail through cleanup and enhancement projects that will benefit campers and visitors for years to come.
Oceana County (September 11):
Veterans History Project - Help preserve the stories of local veterans by assisting with interviews and documentation that will be shared with future generations.
Veterans Memorial Headstone Cleaning - Honor those who served by helping clean and restore veterans' headstones at local cemeteries.
Community Flag Retirement Boxes - Construct flag retirement containers that will be placed throughout Oceana County, giving residents a respectful place to retire worn American flags.
Volunteer Project Placement:
Day of Caring brings hundreds of volunteers together to complete service projects across Newaygo & Oceana Counties. Because each project has a limited capacity based on the size and scope of the work, teams are not able to select their specific project location during registration.
Our team works to match individuals and groups with projects that best fit their size and abilities, while ensuring each site has the right number of volunteers to complete the work safely and successfully.
If you or someone on your team has physical limitations or accessibility needs, please note this during registration. We reserve certain project locations specifically for volunteers who may benefit from lighter-duty tasks or accessible environments.
Thank you for your flexibility and willingness to serve wherever the community needs it most.
FAQs
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Volunteers should plan to wear comfortable clothing appropriate for outdoor work.
We recommend bringing:
Closed-toe shoes
Work gloves (optional)
Refillable water bottle
Sunscreen
Hat and sunglasses
Rain gear if needed
Breakfast, lunch, water, and project supplies will be provided.
Official Day of Caring T-shirts will be distributed during registration while supplies last.
Important Note: Volunteers assigned to the Camp Newaygo Wetland Trail project are welcome to bring their own power tools if they have them. Some tools will be available on-site; however, quantities may be limited, and you may find it more comfortable to use your own equipment.
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Absolutely! Individuals and teams are both welcome.
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Yes! Many projects are family-friendly, though some may have age recommendations.
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Absolutely! Corporate and workplace teams are encouraged to participate. We ensure that all workplace teams stay together as one unit unless larger than 25 team members.
If teams are larger than 25 members, they may be split into two seperate teams based on need.
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Day of Caring takes place rain or shine. Some projects may be adjusted based on weather conditions.
Partner With Us
Day of Caring sponsorships offer meaningful visibility, employee engagement opportunities, and the chance to be part of one of Muskegon County’s most impactful days of service.
From presenting sponsorships to engaged sponsor opportunities, partners help power volunteer coordination, project supplies, and community impact.
Questions about Day of Caring? Let us know!
Thank You To Our Sponsors:
Newaygo County Lunch Sponsor:
