United Way’s Day of Caring rallies Bay County volunteers for a community-wide cleanup

This article is part of an ongoing #UnitedForGood series highlighting agencies and programs the United Way of Bay County supports.

In honor of Earth Day, United Way of Bay County is once again bringing the community together for its annual Day of Caring on Fri., April 25. Volunteers from across Bay County will roll up their sleeves to spend a day giving back to the county through cleanup and beautification projects across the area.

“Everyone starts at Wenonah Park, but we also have projects at Battery Park, Boys and Girls Clubs of Pinconning,” says Michaela Garcia, Associate Director of Communications for United Way of Bay County. “There are about 32 locations, including parks and nonprofit organizations like the Foster Families Navigation and Resource Center.”

“We try to help as many nonprofits as we can. Spring is a busy time, and getting everything ready for summer can be difficult, especially for organizations with limited resources,” Garcia explains. “Sending volunteers makes a wonderful difference for them.”

Graphic courtesy of the United Way of Bay CountyAt the Pinconning site for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Great Lakes Bay Region, volunteers will be staining the wood of raised garden beds and painting rooms inside the building, says Brandon Kathman, Director of Marketing and Communications for the clubs.

“We are so grateful for them dedicating their time and talents in the service of our young leaders,” Kathman adds.


Brian Krause, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity of Bay County, says Day of Caring is important to his organization and the community.

“Habitat has been involved with Day of Caring for the last five years and providing some of the tools, like rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows and many other tools needed to accomplish this amazing event,” Krause says. 

“The reason we love this event is because it brings together so many different people and organizations for one reason – to improve our community and help people. Hundreds of people come together on this day regardless of their race, politics, status, or anything else, for one reason … to spend the day caring for our community.”

This year’s Day of Caring volunteers have already reached capacity, with 530 signed up.

“Last year, we had a record 650 volunteers, and it was a lot for our small team to manage,” Garcia says. “This year, we filled all the spots, but if anyone is still interested, they can contact United Way.”

Even for those who can’t participate in the cleanup, Garcia says there are still ways to support the event.

“One thing we always ask is for people to advocate for United Way of Bay County and the services we provide,” she says. “Volunteering is one way to get involved, but spreading the word is just as important.”

Bay City’s Day of Caring has a rich history built on community pride.

The local United Way launched Day of Caring in 2015 as part of a national volunteer movement. Around the same time, a separate Wenonah Park Cleanup Day began when a resident, Rob Clark, noticed the park’s fountain needed maintenance and rallied volunteers.

What started as a small cleanup expanded into a larger event, eventually merging with United Way’s Day of Caring in 2021 to maximize impact. Since then, the day has grown significantly, drawing hundreds of volunteers each year to work on projects across Bay City.

This year, check-in begins at Wenonah Park at 7:30 a.m., where volunteers can enjoy a complimentary breakfast provided by the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel and Rosie’s Pies.

While volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves, all other supplies will be provided.

“The City of Bay City and (Bay County) Habitat for Humanity supply all the necessary tools,” Garcia says. “We just ask that volunteers bring gloves if they prefer their own.”

After check-in, teams will be sent to their assigned sites. By midday, all volunteers will return to Wenonah Park for a complimentary lunch, sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #103 and Fabiano Brothers, to celebrate their efforts.

“Day of Caring is a wonderful event because it brings the community together in a collective effort to beautify the area,” says Garcia.

“It’s a great way for everyone to come together and feel accomplished, knowing they’ve helped care for our county the way it deserves to be treated. It’s especially rewarding to see it all come together in one day, just in time for summer.”