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The goal of this event is to connect homeowners in need with volunteers ready to help complete projects for the overall benefit of an improved community. Our event is fully funded by sponsorships from strong community leaders, which means project expenses are covered by United Way of DeKalb County.
United Is The Way: Day of Caring 2025 Recap
On Friday, June 27th, DeKalb County came together in a powerful display of community spirit for United Way of DeKalb County’s largest Day of Caring to date. With 850-900 volunteers giving their time and energy, the day showcased just how much can be accomplished when we work together for the greater good.
In total, 62 service projects were completed across the county. Auburn led with 28 projects, while Butler and Garrett each hosted 13. Volunteers also completed 4 projects in Waterloo, 3 in Hamilton, and 1 in Spencerville. Projects ranged from landscaping and painting to cleaning up community spaces, ramp construction, and facility improvements—all aimed at strengthening the places and people that make our communities thrive.
This year’s Day of Caring also saw a tremendous investment back into our community. In total, more than $389,800 was invested into DeKalb County through this event. This includes over $70,000 in direct support for materials, supplies, and project needs across all sites; $50,300 in sponsorships; $26,000 in in-kind donations; and an estimated $243,530 in the value of volunteer hours contributed. These combined contributions helped supply the tools, materials, and resources needed to bring each project to life and ensured that every dollar—and every hour—made a meaningful impact.
From the early morning breakfast to the final brush stroke, Day of Caring was filled with energy, teamwork, and purpose. Thank you to every volunteer, sponsor, and crew leader who made the day a success. You’ve helped create visible change—and reminded us all that United is the Way.
Important Dates
(Dates for the 2026 Day of Caring will be released after January 2026)
March 3, 2025 - Applications go LIVE
March 3, 2025 - Sponsorship Opportunities go LIVE
May 2, 2025 - Sponsorship Deadline
May 2, 2025 - Project & Volunteer Applications are DUE
May 28, 2025 at 12:00 pm - Crew Chief Meeting
- Where: First United Methodist Church (Fellowship Hall) - 1203 E 7th St, Auburn, IN 46706
May 29, 2025 at 7:00 am - Crew Chief Meeting
- Where: First United Methodist Church (Fellowship Hall) - 1203 E 7th St, Auburn, IN 46706
JUNE 27, 2025 - DAY OF CARING
- Breakfast Details:
- Where: Kruse Plaza - 5634 Opportunity Blvd, Auburn, IN 46706
- When: June 27th
- Time: 7:00 am
Project Application
Project Release of Liability Waiver Form (Required)
- Homeowners, Renters, Organizations and Referrals may be submitted for help with projects such as: painting, landscaping, outside repairs, hedge and tree trimming, raking, mulching, staining decks, building ramps, washing windows, and planting and moving flowers.
- A Day of Caring Committee Member reviews the application, conducts a pre-assessment, and determines if we have the capacity and skill set to complete the project.
Become a Volunteer
Volunteer Release of Liability Waiver Form (Required)
- A Team Leader assembles a group of volunteers from their workplace, church, or other organization and fills out one “Team Application.” Each volunteer on the team will fill out a volunteer waiver form
- Individual volunteers are also encouraged to participate!
Become a Sponsor
Platinum Builder: $5,000
Golden Hammer: $3,000
Silver Screwdriver: $1,500
Bronze Nail: $750
Green Thumb: $300
If you or your business is interested in becoming an event sponsor for Day of Caring please fill out the form below and email it to tyler@unitedwaydekalb.org
Once applications have been reviewed and pre-assessments have been completed, our Day of Caring Committee will review all projects and accept or deny based on volunteer capacity and skill set. All approved projects will then be paired with volunteers who match the necessary skill set to complete the project. Team Leaders will contact the homeowners and set up assessment times to look at the tasks and create a shopping list of materials. United Way of DeKalb County staff, volunteers, and team captains purchase all materials and drop off supplies to the homes prior to the event.
