Day of Caring

Day of Caring: Friday, September 5, 2025 & Friday, September 12, 2025 & Friday, September 19, 2025

 
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DTE Volunteer Team

Day of Caring Goes to Camp!

Presented by United Way of the Lakeshore & the DTE Foundation

Each September, hundreds of volunteers across the Lakeshore unite for our largest single day of service—Day of Caring. This year, we’re bringing the energy to local campsites in Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties for a fun, impactful camp-themed experience.

Whether you're mulching trails, painting cabins, or packing care kits under the pines, you’ll be making a difference alongside neighbors, coworkers, and friends in a relaxed, outdoor setting.

If you would like to register a team/corporate team but do not yet have details of who will be volunteering on the day of, please contact Sara directly at sara@unitedwaylakeshore.org or by phone at 231-332-4010.

Choose Your Camp!

Location: Camp Pinewood | 4230 Obenauf Rd Twin Lake, MI 49457

Date: Friday, September 5, 2025

Time: 8:00 AM Breakfast Kickoff | Volunteer Sites by 9:00 AM

Kickoff & breakfast will be hosted at Camp Pinewood, followed by a wide variety of service projects.

Choose from dozens of volunteer opportunities throughout Muskegon County—including onsite projects at camp and projects at nonprofit and community sites across the county!

All registered volunteers receive a free Day of Caring T-shirt—new this year for every county!

Volunteer registration now open!

Muskegon County Projects:

  • Camp Pinewood (YMCA) – Sustainability project including trail work, invasive species removal, and camp clean-up.

  • Marquette Microforest (currently full) – Environmental stewardship through weeding, mulching, and Born Learning trail maintenance.

  • Tina’s Tots & Muskegon County Community Garden – Installing community garden and safety improvements for children's area.

  • The Salvation Army – Grounds clean-up, landscaping, and fall prep at their Muskegon site.

  • Dinner Kit Packing – Assemble meal and birthday celebration kits for local food pantries serving individuals, families, and veterans in need.

  • Campaign Resource Sorting & Packing – Prep and organize materials used in United Way’s annual workplace campaigns.

  • Stuff the Bus School Supply Sort-a-Thon – Sort donated supplies and pack supply boxes to help local students start the school year strong.

  • United Way of the Lakeshore Grounds Project – Outdoor maintenance, painting, and the installation of a community information/resource area at our local office.

  • Bethlehem Community Park – Remove litter, paint, and spruce up public park space.

  • Life Align Recovery Ranch – Support a local agency with indoor or outdoor improvement projects. More details on this project coming soon!

  • Early Childcare Center Repair Project – Light repairs, painting, and playground maintenance to enhance safety for young children.

Please Note: Volunteer teams will be matched with a project based on approximate team size and any needed accommodations unless a specific project is requested at the time of registration.

Location: Camp Newaygo | 5333 S Centerline Rd, Newaygo, MI 49337

Date: Friday, September 12, 2025

Time: 8:00 AM Breakfast Kickoff | Volunteer Sites by 9:00 AM

Kickoff & breakfast will be hosted at Camp Newaygo, followed by a wide variety of service projects and lunch!

All registered volunteers receive a free Day of Caring T-shirt—new this year for every county!

Volunteer registration now open!

Newaygo County Projects:

  • Camp Newaygo - Boardwalk maintenance, trail clearing and brush removal, cabin refresh and painting.

Please Note: Due to the size of Camp Newaygo and the scale of the projects, all volunteers will be assigned to this site.

Location: Camp Miniwanca | 8845 W. Garfield Rd. Shelby, MI 49455

Date: Friday, September 19, 2025

Time: 8:00 AM Breakfast Kickoff | Volunteer Sites by 9:00 AM

Kickoff & breakfast will be hosted at Camp Miniwanca, followed by a wide variety of service projects and lunch!

All registered volunteers receive a free Day of Caring T-shirt—new this year for every county!

Volunteer registration now open!

Oceana County Projects:

  • Camp Miniwanca - Cabin clean up and more to be announced soon.
  • Veteran Home Repair - Outdoor maintenance and landscaping projects for a local veteran in need of assistance.

Please Note: Volunteer teams will be matched with a project based on approximate team size and any needed accommodations unless a specific project is requested at the time of registration.

 

Help Us Gear Up for Day of Caring!

Our Day of Caring wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our community. From safety gear to project supplies, your donations help equip hundreds of volunteers as they roll up their sleeves to serve local nonprofit agencies and neighborhoods across our region.

Want to lend a hand before the big day? Check out our Day of Caring Wishlist and shop directly to support the impact!

Ways to Volunteer: Bring Your Team or Just Yourself!

Whether you come with a company crew or on your own—you belong at Day of Caring Goes to Camp!

Corporate & Workplace Teams

Day of Caring is a great way for businesses and teams to:

  • Strengthen employee engagement
  • Build camaraderie and workplace pride
  • Showcase your commitment to local impact
  • Give back in a fun, hands-on way

We’ll help you find a project that fits your team’s size, schedule, and strengths.

Families, Friends & Solo Volunteers

You don’t have to be part of a company to make a difference! Come as:

  • A family looking to serve together
  • A group of friends wanting to give back
  • A solo volunteer excited to meet others

We’ll match you with a project where you’ll make an impact—and have a great time doing it.

Everyone is welcome. No experience needed. Just bring your hands and heart!

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Meijer Corporate Team - Newaygo County 2024

What to Expect at Camp

Every project is designed to be meaningful and community-focused.

Here’s what you can count on:

  • A variety of volunteer projects in every county
  • Free Day of Caring T-shirt (for every volunteer!)
  • All tools and supplies provided - although check below for our wishlist if you'd like to help!
  • Breakfast and lunch (Kickoff breakfast at each campsite)
  • Group photos, great energy, and new connections
  • Laid-back, supportive environment for all ages and experience levels

Sample Projects:

  • Trail and grounds maintenance
  • Cabin painting and repairs
  • Picnic table or bench construction
  • Nature play area cleanup
  • Kit packing for kids, veterans, or families
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Muskegon Day of Caring Volunteer - Public Health 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear?
Clothes you can move in and get messy. Closed-toe shoes required.

Can I volunteer with a group?
Yes! Groups are encouraged. Tell us during sign-up or email Sara to coordinate.

Can kids volunteer?
Some projects are family-friendly. Reach out to match the right opportunity.

What if it rains?
Many projects will go on! Bring rain gear—we’ll notify you of any major changes.

Do I need experience?
Nope! Just a good attitude. We’ll show you what to do.

Thank You To Our Presenting Sponsor!

DTE Foundation

Thank You To Our County Sponsors!

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Cannon Muskegon

Muskegon County

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Newaygo County

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Oceana County

Lunch Sponsors

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Muskegon County

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Camp Newaygo

Newaygo County

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Oceana County

Sponsor Day of Caring

Want to show your company’s commitment to community?
Become a sponsor of Day of Caring Goes to Camp! Sponsorships help fund volunteer shirts, meals, and supplies—and offer your business valuable community visibility.

Contact: Sara Sherwood at sara@unitedwaylakeshore.org

Still Have Questions? Let’s Talk!

We’re happy to help with sign-ups, team coordination, or anything else!

Contact:
Sara Sherwood
Community Engagement Coordinator
sara@unitedwaylakeshore.org
(231) 332-4010