United Way of Richmond County preps for annual Days of Caring

ROCKINGHAM — United Way of Richmond County is preparing for its 16th annual “Days of Caring” event, taking place Wednesday, Sept. 10, through Saturday, Sept. 13, and continuing on Friday, Sept. 19. Nearly 250 volunteers will roll up their sleeves to support local nonprofit organizations, making a lasting impact throughout the community.

This annual tradition connects volunteers and businesses with local nonprofits to complete 15 hands-on projects that address real needs across Richmond County. Over the course of the week, United Way’s partner agencies will host volunteers between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Employee teams and community volunteers will engage in projects that strengthen neighborhoods and support the agencies working every day to improve lives.

Michelle Parrish, Executive Director of United Way of Richmond County, emphasized the significance of the event.

"It takes everyone coming together to make a community stronger and to give hope to those in need," she said. "Days of Caring is about more than just volunteering — it’s about building connections, creating understanding, and showing compassion in action.

"When people from all walks of life roll up their sleeves and work side by side, real change happens. Volunteers don’t just make a difference for a day—they help create an impact that continues to touch lives long after the projects are complete.”

Volunteers from Piedmont Natural Gas and Duke Energy pose during the United Way Days of Caring.

UWRC

Days of Caring has become a meaningful tradition for many Richmond County companies and organizations. Projects this year will include building homes, organizing, cleaning, packing food bags, delivering meals, and beautifying nonprofit sites.

For those who cannot leave the workplace, there are still meaningful ways to participate:

• Stock-Up Food Drive: Collect donations for local food pantries and the Back Pack Pals program.
• Baby Shower: Host a baby shower at your workplace to provide items for single parents and families in need.
• Rake A Difference: In honor of Veterans’ Day, gather your workplace team to rake the yards of community members with physical and/or financial limitations.
• Adopt A Highway: Partner with NCDOT to keep our community's highways safe and beautiful.

To learn more about Days of Caring or to sign up as a volunteer, contact Michelle Parrish at 910-997-2173 or michelleparrish@bellsouth.net. Volunteers are still needed for Thursday and Saturday’s Habitat for Humanity build, and no experience is required.