For hundreds of University of Virginia staff members, Wednesday was anything but a typical day at the office. Instead of their usual work, they rolled up their sleeves to clean, paint, and prune at local nonprofits, schools, government offices and other organizations as part of the United Way of Charlottesville’s 34th Annual Laurence E. Richardson Day of Caring.
UVA staff joined more than 2,100 other volunteers who took on 115 projects across the community. United Way estimates the value of this year’s service at $365,000.
“The value of the service donated in one day is inspiring,” said Ravi Cooper, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Charlottesville. “That value is being poured right into our community by community members themselves. It’s truly heartening to witness the impact we are able to make as a community when we connect and work together.”
Since its launch in 1992 with about 50 volunteers, the Day of Caring has brought together more than 50,000 participants and contributed more than $5.5 million in community service to the Charlottesville area.
Here’s a look at some of the UVA volunteers in action this year:
Peter Krebs of the Piedmont Environmental Council, right, hands UVA Health employee Emmalee Johnson tools as volunteers clean up trails at Tonsler Park. (Photo by Lathan Goumas, University Communications)
Lars Tiffany, UVA men’s lacrosse coach, works with members of the Athletic Department to trim overgrowth at New Roots Farms. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)
Raymond Brown, UVA’s director of organizational development and belonging, prepares the flower beds around Crozet Elementary for fall. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)
