July and August were busy months for United Way California Capital Region. We spent the summer gearing up for our third annual Day of Caring on September 11. The day marked a National Day of Service, the nation’s largest annual day of charitable engagement. Millions of people throughout the U.S. participated, and locally more than 36 projects were completed by 936 volunteers.

United Way works hard to connect volunteers to community organizations where they can make a difference, and it was so rewarding to feel the community’s support for our mission.

We’re are so proud of our volunteers and want to showcase recent impact in action. Check out what they have been up to this summer!

July

July was a month full of nonprofit agency fairs and fun in the sun. Members of our Young Leaders Society took some time our of their busy schedules to help out at the American River Parkway.

Over 25 young professionals from our community showed up to take care of our most precious natural resource, water. Each volunteer cleared several pounds of litter from the banks to make this fragile ecosystem safer and healthier for everyone. Plants, animal, and humans alike!

August

River City Food Bank
As a part of our internal fundraising campaign, United Way staff and friends, including a few members of our newly formed Student United Way, went out to River City Food Bank to help assist clients. Volunteers walked clients through the receiving line, ensuring each individual had a personal experience.  

Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services
Many of our Retiree Giving Club members helped at the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services, ending our volunteer month on a high note! Members helped sort and bag produce to later be distributed at local farmers markets through a program that brings health food to where the families are, rather than the other way around.

Looking Forward

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) begins training volunteers in October, November, December! This program helps bring back millions of dollars to working families in our community by providing free tax assistance for low- and moderate-income households. Last year, the Coalition for Working Families helped keep more than $4 million in the pockets of residents by coordinating the VITA program. This success is only possible through a dedicated volunteer base. In 2014, the Coalition for Working Families trained and certified nearly 160 volunteers and surpassed all tax season expectations, but still fell short serving all the Sacramento families that needed VITA services. We simply need more volunteers. You can help us fill this enormous community need!

Visit our Volunteer Center for VITA volunteer opportunities and so many more.