4,500 volunteers serve during 25th anniversary of United Way Hands On Greenville Day
United Way of Greenville County celebrated the 25th anniversary of Hands On Greenville Day on Saturday with nearly 4,500 volunteers uniting to complete service projects across the community.
This year, 128 projects were completed at area nonprofits, schools, parks and other local organizations. From landscaping and painting to meal preparation and neighborhood beautification, 160 teams comprised of volunteers from area companies, organizations and church groups, as well as individuals and families, donated time to improve the community.
The annual event is the Upstate’s largest single day of volunteer service, collectively generating nearly 20,000 hours of volunteer service to the community. Based on the Corporation for National and Community Service’s dollar value estimation for an hour of volunteer service, Hands On Greenville Day represents an in-kind value of more than $435,000 given back to the community.
“On one spring Saturday for the past 25 years, Greenville County has united as one to make our community a better place,” said United Way President and CEO Meghan Barp. “We believe this tremendous history of service has played no small role in helping Greenville County thrive. Every year, we are inspired by the commitment our volunteers make to spend a day in service to others.”
In appreciation of their service, volunteers were treated to a 25th anniversary celebration at Fluor Field Saturday afternoon. Companies and organizations with the largest volunteer teams were recognized in three categories: large company (GE), mid-size company (UPS Inside Sales) and small company (JTEKT). This year’s honorees also included therapeutic foster care agency SAFY SC (Most Creative Project) and Greenville Parks and Recreation (Most Projects Offered).
While Hands On Greenville Day has become its signature volunteer event, United Way works year-round to offer volunteer opportunities via its online project calendar. The organization works with local nonprofit partners and provides hundreds of volunteer opportunities each month. To register for a volunteer opportunity, visit handsongreenville.org.