United Way of the Lakeshore Celebrates Annual Day of Caring Across Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties
Neighbors, businesses and students united in service to support local families, non-profit organizations, and community spaces throughout September.
Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties, MI (September 24, 2025) — More than 500 volunteers rolled up their sleeves this September to participate in United Way of the Lakeshore’s (United Way) annual Day of Caring, making an impact in Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties. Between September 5 and September 19, 511 volunteers contributed approximately 3,250 hours of service across 17 projects.
Day of Caring, United Way’s largest volunteer event, brings together businesses, service organizations, schools, non-profit organizations, retirees, and community members to create meaningful change. This year’s event was powered by 35 companies and organizations, with sponsorship from DTE Energy Foundation, Cannon Muskegon, Camp Newaygo, and the Michigan Community Service Commission.
Each Day of Caring also honored the legacy of the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance. Volunteers joined together in a moment of silence at their kick-off gatherings to remember the lives lost on that day and reflect on the power of service to bring communities together.
Muskegon County (September 5, 2025)
More than 375 volunteers gathered at Camp Pinewood in Twin Lake, where they enjoyed breakfast provided by the Muskegon Host Lions Club, shared fellowship, and took part in a lively kickoff celebration hosted by Jessie Wilde. From there, teams dispersed to projects across the community, including a park cleanup, supporting local childcare providers, sustainability initiatives, packing school supplies for local classrooms, supporting area food pantries, and assisting non-profit agencies with essential upgrades and maintenance. The day also featured strong participation from students and youth programs, emphasizing United Way’s commitment to engaging the next generation of volunteers.
Newaygo County (September 12, 2025)
In Newaygo County, nearly 100 volunteers spent the day at Camp Newaygo, where they focused on trail restoration in the bog that had been heavily damaged by a wildfire a year earlier. They also supported the camp with a variety of maintenance and landscaping projects that will benefit campers and visitors for years to come. Day of Caring in Newaygo County also had the pleasure of welcoming student volunteers from Algoma Christian School and NC RESA, whose contributions added energy and enthusiasm to the day.
Oceana County (September 19, 2025)
Volunteers began their day with breakfast and a kick-off celebration at Camp Miniwanca in Shelby before splitting into two impactful projects. One group stayed at Camp Miniwanca, rebuilding a section of deck at the Health Center, working on hammock villages in boys’ and girls’ camps, along with landscaping and maintenance projects. The second group traveled to Hart to support a local veteran. At the veteran’s home, volunteers enhanced safety, landscaped, and completed cleanup and improvement projects.
“Our Day of Caring is a reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together,” said Lisa Tyler, President and CEO of United Way of the Lakeshore. “From veterans to children, seniors to families, the projects this year touched so many corners of our Lakeshore community. We’re grateful to our sponsors, our partner agencies, and especially the volunteers who make this day possible.”
For more information about United Way of the Lakeshore and how to get involved, visit unitedwaylakeshore.org.