Celebrating National Volunteer Week
Volunteers drive so much of our work. Join us in celebration of Greenville County’s handraisers and changemakers.
We believe in the power of volunteers to transform our community. Join our National Volunteer Week celebration as we recognize those who serve in Greenville County, hear from United Way volunteers, and share more about how you can make an impact—like signing up to serve on Hands On Greenville Day!
One hour of volunteer service is currently estimated at a value of $29.95. In 2022, more than 4,000 United Way volunteers rolled up their sleeves and served a total of 14,571 hours—an estimated economic impact of nearly $450,000!
HEAR FROM UNITED WAY VOLUNTEERS
Now that my girls are getting older, they can participate in some United Way activities with me and my husband. Last year, they participated in their first Hands On Greenville Day and got to see firsthand the impact we are making.
– Claire Bray, Young Leaders Society member and United Way volunteer
If you’re looking for a community of like-minded individuals, I’d say this is the organization to be a part of.
I think one of the greatest joys is seeing someone smile and knowing that you had an impact on them.
– Ashton Lawrence, African American Leadership member and United Way volunteer
We have been volunteering with United Way since we moved to Greenville County in 2017. We separately started volunteering and donating through our respective employers, but once we saw the needs, we sought out more opportunities to help on our own!
– Adam and Kristen Tuiletufuga, Young Leaders Society members and United Way volunteers
UNITED WAY SIGNATURE VOLUNTEER EVENTS
Our signature volunteer events are a great way to get involved with United Way and change lives in Greenville County.
MLK DAY OF SERVICE: At United Way, we draw inspiration from Dr. King’s life and legacy of service in our mission to build a stronger, more equitable Greenville County for all. Each year, we host a day of service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In 2023, nearly 200 volunteers rolled up their sleeves to make an impact, participating in community cleanups throughout the county and removing 9,920 pounds of trash from our streets and parks.
HANDS ON GREENVILLE DAY: For over 25 years, Hands On Greenville Day has been a staple in our community as the largest day of service in the Upstate. From Fountain Inn to Travelers Rest and everywhere in between, thousands of volunteers mobilize to improve the community in which we live, work and play. In 2022, more than 2,000 volunteers served across Greenville County contributing an estimated economic impact of $250,000. United Way Hands On Greenville Day returns on Saturday, May 6—click here to learn more and register to serve!
SCHOOL TOOLS: Giving Greenville County students the tools they need to achieve their full potential. That’s the ultimate goal of United Way’s School Tools, our annual backpack and school supply collection program designed to give local students and teachers the best possible start to the school year. In 2022, nearly 3,000 students received backpacks and resources through School Tools.
PROJECT JOY: Launched in 2020 to alleviate the burden of holiday shopping for our neighbors, Project Joy unites local volunteers to fulfill wishlists of essential items (and surprises) for Greenville County students and their families. In 2022, 535 students across nearly 200 families received essentials like clothing, school supplies and personal care items.
CHALLENGE: MAKE AN IMPACT TODAY
It’s always a pleasure to serve others. We challenge you to make a difference in someone’s life—or commit to make an impact in the future. Need some ideas?
- Sign up for a volunteer opportunity—like our upcoming Hands On Greenville Day—through our volunteer portal.
- Give to United Way.
- Donate gently used items to a local nonprofit.
- Write a thank you note to someone who won’t expect it.
- Pay it forward at your local coffee shop or drive-thru.
- Donate blood.
- Clean up around your neighborhood or workplace.