More than 4,600 volunteers came together Saturday morning to complete a wide range of community projects across Greenville County during the 24th annual United Way Hands on Greenville Day. 

Hands On Greenville Day is an important example of United Way of Greenville County’s commitment to bringing people and resources together to create lasting impact in our community.  

“Every contribution to United Way of Greenville County is an investment in a network of local programs that work together to help more than 130,000 people in meaningful ways each year,” said Meghan Barp, president and CEO of United Way of Greenville County. “Financial giving is one way to contribute, but another very important way to give back is through volunteerism.”

This year, 139 projects were completed benefiting area nonprofits, schools, parks and other community organizations. Volunteer service included painting at county parks, landscaping at nonprofits and schools, packing hygiene kits for local nonprofits to provide to individuals and families in need, and helping out at community vegetable gardens.

The annual event is the Upstate’s largest single day of volunteer service, collectively generating over 18,400 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, 18,400 hours represent an economic impact of more than $454,295 given back to the community.

“United Way of Greenville County believes in the power of volunteerism and its tremendous impact on our community,” Barp said. “These dedicated volunteers and the impressive results of their efforts today are proof of the caring spirit that our community is known for.”

In appreciation of their efforts, volunteers were treated to a special celebration at Fluor Field Saturday afternoon. At the celebration, companies and organizations with the largest volunteer teams were recognized in four categories: large company, mid-size company, small company and community organization. This year’s honorees are, GE, UPS Inside Sales, Henkel Corporation and Grace Church, respectively.

If you weren’t able to volunteer this year for Hands On Greenville Day, or if you did and want to stay engaged year-round, there are two important ways you can still partner with United Way to help your community and its future. Go to www.www.unitedwaygc.org/donate to make a financial contribution or text UWGC to 41444 to make a mobile gift. Or, visit United Way’s volunteer engagement website, handsongreenville.org, to volunteer for projects throughout the year.

While Hands On Greenville Day has become its signature volunteer event, United Way of Greenville County works year-round to offer volunteer opportunities via its online project calendar. The organization partners with local nonprofits and lists hundreds of volunteer opportunities each month. The list offers a wide array of projects for all ages and interests, a few of which include mentoring opportunities with local youth, pet therapy visits to senior living communities and food rescue runs to area food banks.