DAY OF CARING
Day of Caring has looked a little different over the years. Traditionally, teams of volunteers have spread out across the community to tackle a variety of projects for local organizations. This year, we’re bringing everyone together for one big community project with one shared goal: helping feed our neighbors.
Introducing Day of Caring: United for Hunger
The Otsego County United Way is partnering with The Outreach Program to host a community-wide meal packaging event. Throughout the day, teams of volunteers will work together to package nutritious, shelf-stable meals that will stay right here in our community to help local individuals and families facing food insecurity.
So, what does a meal packaging event actually look like?
The Outreach Program brings in all of the equipment, ingredients, and supplies and sets up meal packaging lines. Teams work assembly-line style to measure ingredients, fill and seal packages, label them, and box the finished meals. There’s music, some friendly competition, and a whole lot of teamwork as we work toward our meal goal!
Organizations can put together a volunteer team, share the opportunity with staff or others who may want to participate, or support United for Hunger through a sponsorship or donation. At just $0.35 per meal, every contribution helps us package more meals for Otsego County.
It’s a different spin on Day of Caring, but the heart behind it is the same: bringing people together to make a meaningful difference in our community.
Become a Hunger Hero
$10 = 29 meals
$20 = 57 meals
$50 = 142 meals
Sponsorship Opportunities
Helping Hands – $250 (Includes a volunteer team)
Community Builder – $500
Community Champion – $1,000
If interested in sponsorship, please email Kim Akin at kimberly@otsegounitedway.org.
What did Day of Caring look like last year?
Last year, Day of Caring may have been smaller in numbers, but it was mighty in impact. Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers, lives were touched, and our community grew stronger across Otsego County.
Conservation District – Volunteers repotted native plants to help keep our environment thriving.
Otsego County Food Pantry – Teams supported food distribution to local families in need.
Alten Zimmer Senior Community – With the support of a $5,000 grant from the DTE Foundation, groceries were purchased from Walmart and delivered to Alten Zimmer, which was deeply affected by the spring ice storm. Volunteers packed and distributed nearly 100 bags filled with essentials like milk, bread, eggs, dinners, cookies, vegetables, and more—ensuring every resident felt cared for.
Otsego County United Way – Volunteers tackled important mailings, completed shredding projects, and organized shower kits for the Refuge.
Community Meal – The day concluded with providing and cooking the Gaylord Area Community Meal Program, sharing food, fellowship, and joy.
It was truly a day of rolling up sleeves, lifting up neighbors, and showing what it means to LIVE UNITED. Thank you to every volunteer, partner, and supporter who made a difference—because every act of caring counts.
United is the Way!