United Way celebrates 30th Anniversary of Day of Caring

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) – For 30 years the United Way of Southwestern Indiana has invested into the Tri-State.

Today was no different, organizing 1,000 volunteers to tackle 1,020 projects that 50 organizations need help with.

CEO of the United Way of Southwestern Indiana, Amy Mangold says this day greatly impacts local organizations, helping them complete projects that could take a long time to do.

Mangold says, "We have found out that the value of the volunteer hours $33.49 When you put 1000 volunteers doing four hours of service it's more than a $130,000 value of time and value into our community." Volunteers ventured to several places, including Seton Harvest, an agriculture-based nonprofit in Vanderburgh County.

Kim Salee is donating her time and says she didn't know this organization existed but is more than happy to help. Salee says, "I like I love working outside. It's one of my hobbies at home and so just it's a good day." Volunteers worked under the watchful eye of Jax, the Seton Harvest farm dog who makes sure everything is going according to plan. The non-profit produces 152,000 pounds of produce, donating to local food pantries, churches, and shelters.

Julie Dietz is the Community Outreach Manager for Seton Harvest.

Dietz says, "To put in perspective what 100/152,000 pounds is if you think of seven tractor trailers, and you fill the bags from front to back top to bottom no boxes no bags just produce that's about how much we've donated in 18 years to our community."

The United Way's Day of Caring covers multiple communities, with the goal to serve those who need help the most. Both the United Way of Southwestern Indiana and its many volunteers are already looking forward to the next day of caring in 2025.