Forget painting the town red – during the United Way of Indian River County’s 30th annual Day of Caring, volunteers rolled up their sleeves, grabbed their hammers, shovels and paintbrushes, and gave the county a fresh coat of care. Throughout the day, more than 550 volunteers painted, planted, scrubbed and built stronger community connections.
An overwhelming sense of community spirit and a can-do attitude permeated the Holman Stadium at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex during the event’s kickoff breakfast. In addition to mobilizing and uniting volunteers, businesses, nonprofits and community groups for the day of service, the annual event marked the start of the 2025-26 fundraising campaign.
“What better way to start than by coming together to complete projects that support our schools, our parks and nonprofits that need a helping hand,” said Katie Nall, UWIRC board chair.
As more than 200 volunteers fueled up on a hearty breakfast, they were welcomed by UWIRC CEO Meredith Egan.
“United Way’s mission is simple: mobilize the caring power of our community,” said Egan, looking out at the sea of volunteers, who would soon fan out to 48 sites across the county to complete 51 hands-on projects.
“We do this every day in blue skies and gray skies. We’re improving lives, inspiring donors and uniting the community. We connect people in need with people who can help. People like you,” she continued.
She noted that the United Way is able to do some amazing work thanks to their numerous partnerships with local nonprofits, agencies and organizations.
“We turn our goals into realizations. A world where Indian River is strong and prosperous, because when our community thrives, we all thrive.”
Introducing School Superintendent David Moore, Egan explained that United Way partners closely with organizations such as the school district to address community needs. She highlighted the district’s dedication to ensuring that every child receives an excellent education as well as any additional support they need to learn.
“The school district is really benefiting today. Each and every single school in our A-rated district is going to have a project going on. We’re going to do a lot of hard work, whether it’s reorganizing classrooms, painting, planting, building literacy kits,” said Moore.
He stressed that the volunteers’ time is an invaluable investment in the children who attend our schools as well as within the overall community.
“To me, Indian River County is all about community, and today is a day that absolutely highlights what community is,” he added.
Nall thanked everyone in the crowd for volunteering, acknowledging their year-round commitment to the mission, not just today, but throughout the year, commenting that their actions go far beyond this single day of service.
“That’s what it means when we say that United is the Way. It’s the people coming together to create real change right here in our community,” said Nall.
At the end of the day, the selfless volunteers completed projects that will stand as tangible proof of the community’s collective effort and shared purpose, launching the fundraising campaign with momentum and meaning.
For more information, visit unitedwayirc.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
