Day of Caring | Jackson County United Way

30th Annual Jackson County United Way Day of Caring

Mark Your Calendars: Volunteer Registration & Project Requests Opening on Monday, February 2nd!

History of Day of Caring

The Day of Caring is Jackson County's largest one-day volunteer event. With plenty of projects and hundreds of volunteers, we mobilize the caring power of our community in more ways than ever before. Serving the community for 30 years, we have seen the impact we can have when we work together to better where we live.

In 1996, Day of Caring was established to offer projects to United Way partner agencies and other non-profits in Jackson County, IN. It expands agency funding and offers repairs, construction, and client services with donations and time. Each year more than 200 volunteers come together to Live United during a fun and work-filled day.

On May 13th, 2014, JCUW's 18th Annual Day of Caring reached a record-breaking day of volunteerism with over 475 volunteers serving at 74 project sites. In 2015, Day of Caring continued to break records.

In May 2016, JCUW celebrated its 20th Annual Day of Caring with over 1,090 volunteers and over 150 project sites. There was a 75% increase for the day due to the strong support of Cummins.

The onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic put a halt on the large numbers of volunteers able to come out to participate. However, as of May 12, 2025, over 900 volunteers completed 90 projects across Jackson County, the largest numbers since 2020. We are slowly rebuilding this initiative to have it's biggest and best years ahead.

Check out all the work we accomplished from our 2024 Day of Caring event with this video: https://youtu.be/FFnsBni6FVw

Volunteer Registration

February 2nd - April 6th

When you register for Day of Caring, you are part of supporting our communities at every level, from residents who need help cleaning up their yards, to nonprofits who could use assistance at their facilities.

Starting in 2026, this will be an adults-only event, as many of our projects are geared towards adults. School and youth groups are welcome to join us at our 2nd Youth Day of Service in September.

You can register as an individual, group/team, or family by using the registration form below. Please note that every member of a group should fill out the project registration and liability forms. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, every volunteer will receive a Day of Caring t-shirt to wear at their project site.

After registration, you'll receive a confirmation email. If volunteering as a group, primary communications will go to your group leader to distribute information, as well as occasional emails from our Engagement Director, Emily Engelking (emily@jacsy.org).

You can also visit our Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions page to provide more information about what to expect as a DOC volunteer.

Volunteer Registration Form

Project Requests

February 2nd - April 6th

The Day of Caring is not possible without the project for our volunteers to complete. When you submit a Day of Caring project, you allow volunteers to connect to meaningful work throughout the county and help out their neighbors.

Homeowners, nonprofits, schools, churches, and other eligible 501(c)(3) organizations are able to submit requests. Projects must be able to be completed on Tuesday, May 12th between the hours of approximately 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. If Day of Caring is postponed due to rain, the project must be able to be completed on Friday, May 15th, at volunteer availability. You MUST be present the entire duration while your project request is being completed by volunteers. If you are not home, volunteers WILL NOT complete your project. Volunteers are only responsible for the pre-approved projects and any additional work requested on the day of will not be able to be completed.

A Certificate of Liability Insurance is REQUIRED ANNUALLY to be a project host and requests without this will be denied.

Examples of project requests include:

Painting & beautification
Landscaping & gardening
Organizing donations
Office work & administrative tasks
Hands-on construction or repair work (case by case basis)
Inside (nonprofits, churches, and schools only) or outside building clean-up

The following projects WILL NOT be considered:

Ramps
Roofing
Plumbing and Electrical
Foundation
Large Tree Removal
Second Story Gutters

You can also visit our Project Requestor Frequently Asked Questions page to provide more information about what to expect as a DOC project site host.

Request a Project

BECOME A SPONSOR OF THIS MILESTONE EVENT

Join United Way’s Day of Caring as a sponsor and help mobilize volunteers to make a difference across Jackson County. Engage your employees, build team spirit, and elevate your brand while supporting nonprofits and local residents.

Click here to download our 2026 sponsorship form and learn more about the sponsor benefits.

Please contact Emily Engelking or call 812-522-5450 ext. 4 with any questions.

2025 Sponsors

2025 In-Kind Donors

Request a Project

A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is REQUIRED EVERY YEAR to fulfill project request. The certificate holder should be listed as Jackson County United Way. Without this form, your project WILL NOT BE considered. This can be acquired for free from your insurance agent and they can:

Mail to PO Box 94 Seymour, IN 47274
Or email to Emily Engelking at emily@jacsy.org

Projects will be completed between 9:00 AM-4:00 PM on the Day of Caring. You MUST be onsite during the time your volunteers are there or your project WILL NOT be completed.

Name

Phone

Project Site Address

Please list the address of the location of this project (if different from your own)

City/Town

State/Province

ZIP/Postal Code

Project Information

Please fill out the information below to the best of your ability for an OUTDOOR project only. After receiving your request form, we will contact you to let you know if your project is NOT ABLE to be completed during the Day of Caring. If it is accepted, a surveyor will reach out to you about stopping by to survey the project and confirm the materials you will be providing. Please note that the Jackson County United Way is not able to assist with funds for lumber, paint, or other building materials.

Note: NO ramps, roofing, plumbing, electrical, large tree removal, or foundation projects will be considered.

Detailed Description of Project

Approximate Number of Volunteers Needed

Please give your best guess. Our survey crew will determine the correct number when they come to look at your project if it is within our program scope.

Materials You Will Be Providing

Such as flowers, rock, mulch, etc.

Materials Volunteers Should Bring

Such as gloves, shovels, basic tools, etc.

Notes or If Requesting for Someone Other Than Self

Please make any notes or volunteer group requests here.

CUMMINS EMPLOYEES: Please list your WID or Cummins email

If requesting for someone other than self, please list your name, phone number, and relationship to host site requestor.

Project Release of Liability Waiver

I am the owner and occupant of the above listed property. I give permission to volunteers from Jackson County United Way Day of Caring to work on my property for the purpose of the projects described above. I understand that these are not professionals working for profit, and that no warranty is made as to the quality of work done.

In consideration of the volunteer services to be rendered to me or my property by the volunteers, I the undersigned, release and agree to hold harmless Jackson County United Way, its staff, volunteers, representatives and any related agency from liability, injury, damages, accident delay or irregularity related to the aforementioned volunteer services.

This release covers all rights and causes of action of every kind, nature and description, which the undersigned ever had, now has, or but for this release, may have. This release binds the undersigned and his/her heirs, representatives and assignees.

Consent to Use and Publication of Image
In consideration of participation in Jackson County United Way Day of Caring, I hereby give Jackson County United Way the absolute, unconditional, and irrevocable right and permission to use my name and to use, reproduce, edit, exhibit, project, display, copyright, and publish, photographic images and/or moving pictures and/or videotaped images of me with or without voice, in which I am included, in whole or in part, photographed, taped, videotaped, and/or recorded prior to, during, and/or after the Jackson County United Way Day of Caring project and, to circulate same in any and all forms and media for art, advertising, trade purposes, and competition, of every description and any other lawful purpose whatsoever, and I hereby consent to the use of all printed matter in conjunction therewith and waive all rights to inspect and/or to approve drafts, finished products, and/or editorial, promotional, and printed copy, and/or sound tracks, and hereby discharge and agree to hold Jackson County United Way, its staff, volunteers, and representatives harmless and fully indemnify Jackson County United Way Day of Caring from and against any and all claims arising by virtue of any blurring, distortion, alteration, optical illusion, or use in composite from, whether intentional or otherwise, that may occur or be produced in the production, processing, duplication, projecting, or displaying of said images of me and from any and all Claims for violation of any personal and all proprietary rights of that I may have or may claim to have in connection with such images and with the production, alteration, use, distribution, and disposition thereof. This consent will remain in effect until the owner revokes via a written notice.

Sign Here

Volunteer

VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION INFORMATION

If you are volunteering as a group, every member of a group will need to fill out the Volunteer Sign Up form.

Please note that the Day of Caring is an adult-only event beginning in 2026 (unless accompanied by a parent). School and youth groups are welcome to join us for the Youth Day of Service in September.

Due to the nature of project requests we receive, groups larger than 10 should note that they may be asked to do separate projects. We cannot guarantee groups larger will be able to work all together the whole day. Please email call 812-522-5450 ext. 4 with any questions. Thank you for your understanding!

First

Last

Company/Organization (not required to volunteer)

Volunteer Lead

T-Shirt Size

Phone Number

Email Address

Address

Address 2

City/Town

State/Province

ZIP/Postal Code

Country

Volunteer Skills/Interest

Emergency Contact

Name

Phone

2026 Day of Caring Volunteer Waiver & Release

Volunteer Assumption of Risk, Waiver of Liability

I hereby acknowledge that participation in the Day of Caring is a potentially hazardous activity, and that I should not participate in this event unless I am medically and physically able to do so. With full knowledge and understanding of the foregoing, and in consideration of your acceptance of the entry, I expressly assume any and all risks associated with my voluntary participation in this event.
In addition, I, for myself and for anyone who might claim on my behalf, covenant not to sue and hereby WAIVE, RELEASE AND DISCHARGE the United Way of Jackson County, its agencies’ event workers, officials, volunteers and their representatives, successors, agents, employees and assigns from any and all claims, liabilities, debts and causes of action, whether foreseen or not.

I hereby consent to and authorize the use of the reproduction by the United Way any and all photographs taken this day for the purpose of promotion, without compensation to me.

I hereby certify that I am at least 18 years old. (If participant is under age 18, parent or guardian must sign and an adult must be present during volunteer hours.)

Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability
I acknowledge that I have voluntarily registered to participate in Day of Caring on Tuesday, May 12th. I understand that the scope of my volunteer relationship with Jackson County United Way is limited to a volunteer position and that no compensation is expected in return for services provided by me; that Jackson County United Way will not provide any benefits traditionally associated with employment; and that I am responsible for my own insurance coverage in the event of illness or personal injury as a result of my services at Day of Caring.

I also understand that should I approach the vicinity of syringes, especially in the public areas, I understand that should I find such items, I will leave them where they are and notify the proper authorities for containment. I will not touch nor allow anyone in my volunteer group to touch syringes or any other harmful or suspicious items.

I hereby release, discharge and agree to indemnify and hold Jackson County United Way harmless from, and waive on behalf of myself and my heirs and personal representatives and any minors I am responsible for who volunteer with me, any and all causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses and compensation for damage or loss to myself and/or property that may be caused by any act, or failure to act of Jackson County United Way, or that may otherwise arise in any way in connection with any voluntary activities with, or for Jackson County United Way.

Asunción Voluntaria de Riesgo, Exención de Responsabilidad,
Yo, por este medio, reconozco que la participación en Day of Caring es potencialmente una actividad peligrosa, y que yo no debería participar en este evento a no ser que estoy medicamente y físicamente capaz de hacerlo. Con conocimiento y comprensión total de lo anterior, y en consideración de su aceptación de la entrada, asumo expresamente todos los riesgos asociados con mi participación voluntaria en este evento. En adición, yo, para mí mismo y para cualquier persona que pueda reclamar en mi nombre, pacto a no denunciar y por este medio RENUNCIO, LIBERO Y DESCARGO el United Way del condado de Jackson, sus trabajadores de agencias para el evento, oficiales, voluntarios, y sus representantes, sucesores, agentes, empleados y cesionarios de todos los reclamos, compromisos, deudas y causas para acción, ya sea previsto o no.

Yo, por medio de esto, consiento y autorizo el uso de la reproducción por el United Way de todas fotos tomadas este día para la intención de promoción, sin compensación para mí.

Yo, por medio de esto, certifico que tengo por lo menos 18 años de edad. (Si el participante es menor de 18 años, el padre o guardián debe firmar y un adulto debe estar presente durante las horas de voluntariado.)

Asunción de Riesgo y Exención de Responsabilidad
Reconozco que me he registrado voluntariamente para participar en Day of Caring el martes 12 de mayo. Entiendo que el alcance de mi relación voluntaria con el condado de Jackson United Way se limita a un puesto de voluntario y que no se espera compensación a cambio de los servicios prestados por mí; que United Way del Condado de Jackson no proporcionará ningún beneficio tradicionalmente asociado con el empleo; y que soy responsable de mi propia cobertura de seguro en caso de enfermedad o lesión personal como resultado de mis servicios en Day of Caring.

También entiendo que si me acerco a las jeringas, especialmente en las áreas públicas, entiendo que si encuentro dichos artículos, los dejaré donde están y notificaré a las autoridades correspondientes para su contención. No tocaré ni permitiré que nadie en mi grupo de voluntarios toque jeringas o cualquier otro artículo dañino o sospechoso.

Por la presente libero, descargo y acepto indemnizar y mantener indemne a United Way del Condado de Jackson, y renuncio en mi nombre y en el de mis herederos y representantes personales y de los menores de los que soy responsable que se ofrezcan como voluntarios conmigo, de todas y cada una de las causas de acción, reclamaciones , demandas, daños, costos, gastos y compensación por daños o pérdidas a mí y / oa la propiedad que puedan ser causados por cualquier acto o falta de actuación de United Way del Condado de Jackson, o que puedan surgir de cualquier otra manera en relación con cualquier actividades voluntarias con o para el United Way del Condado de Jackson.

I agree to the terms of the 2026 Day of Caring Volunteer Waiver & Release

Waiver & Release

I hereby consent to and authorize the use of the reproduction by the United Way any and all photographs taken this day for the purpose of promotion, without compensation to me.

I hereby certify that I am at least 18 years old. (If participant is under age 18, parent or guardian must sign and an adult must be present during volunteer hours.)

Sponsor

Name

Contact Person

Company

Phone

Address

Company Address

Address 2

City/Town

State/Province

ZIP/Postal Code

Program Sponsorship

Rock'n Ready

Provides free basic school supplies to Jackson County students from grades K-12 to be prepared for the first day of school.

RNR Levels

Other Amount

Please list other amount here:

Day of Caring

Our cross-county day of community service where individuals and groups help complete outside projects for residents and nonprofits.

DOC Levels

Other Amount

Please list other amount here:

A volunteer-led free program that files tax returns for households making less than $66,000.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

VITA Levels

Other Amount

Please list other amount here:

What interests you about the program(s) you're sponsoring? ($500+)

For those giving $500 and above to any program, please answer the following questions to include in your pre- or post- event social media post:

Please choose the program and level your company will be sponsoring.

Payment Type

What kind of donation are you giving?

In-Kind

Goods or services worth the equivalent of sponsorship amount.

Monetary (Pay Now)

Will send payment by mail.

Monetary (Bill Me)

Will be invoiced no less than 30 days before the event.

Please send all payments to:
PO Box 94
Seymour, IN 47274

Memo: [PROGRAM NAME]

Please list in-kind type, if applicable:

30th Annual Jackson County United Way Day of Caring

History of Day of Caring

Volunteer Registration

Project Requests

BECOME A SPONSOR OF THIS MILESTONE EVENT

2025 Sponsors

2025 In-Kind Donors

Projects will be completed between 9:00 AM-4:00 PM on the Day of Caring. You MUST be onsite during the time your volunteers are there or your project WILL NOT be completed.

Event Details

Contact Us