VERO BEACH, October 15, 2025 – On Saturday, October 11, 2025, United Way celebrated its 30th Annual Day of Caring, presented by Publix Super Markets, by uniting 550 volunteers to complete 51 service projects throughout Indian River County. The milestone event highlighted the power of collaboration, volunteerism, and local partnerships in creating lasting impact for neighbors in need.
Day of Caring began 30 years ago as a small effort to bring volunteers together to support local nonprofits and neighbors in need. Over the decades, it has grown into a county-wide tradition, engaging hundreds of volunteers each year and leaving a lasting impact on programs, facilities, and families throughout the area.
The day began at Holman Stadium at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex with a complimentary breakfast, including sandwiches from Odom, Conrado Enterprises-McDonald’s, fresh juice from Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company, and coffee from Coffee House 1420. After an energizing pep rally and warm-up lead by TBLB Fitness, volunteers spread out across Vero Beach, Sebastian, and Fellsmere to tackle hands-on projects supporting nonprofits, schools, and public spaces.
“This year’s 30th Day of Caring is a milestone that celebrates the incredible power of collaboration,” said Meredith Egan, CEO of United Way. “For three decades, volunteers have shown up to transform lives and spaces across Indian River County. Today, we honor every individual who makes this community stronger – proving that when we unite people and purpose, we create lasting change for generations to come.
Volunteers made a tangible impact across the region. At the Center for Spiritual Care, teams painted the main bathroom, small bathroom, and back counseling room, while others worked on landscaping, pressure washing, and repairing structures. The center shared on social media, “It was a true hodgepodge of heart for Saturday’s United Way Day of Caring – and what a beautiful day it was! Everyone contributed with such enthusiasm and care, and you remind us that when we come together, love really does show up in color.” Other projects included Merrill Lynch, whose volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help with fishing line and make sea turtle light testing cards at Coastal Connections; and team members from Publix store #1150 and John’s Island Club, who joined forces for a campus beautification project at the Gifford Youth Achievement Center.
Volunteers from United Way’s UPSTARTERS initiative assembled 348 Early Learning Literacy Kits, made possible by a grant from PNC Bank’s Grow Up Great program. CVS Distribution generously donated many of the materials used in the kits, which will be distributed to Economic Opportunities Council Head Start to support early childhood literacy and school readiness.
Adding to the day’s impact, Coffee House 1420 generously donated all proceeds from the day to United Way, raising a total of $3,092 to support local programs and services across Indian River County.
In total, volunteers contributed 2,200 hours, leaving a lasting mark on local organizations and the people they serve. “It’s community days like this that remind us how powerful it is when we come together to serve others,” said Marty Mercado, United Way Board Member and Executive Director at Hope for Families Center.
The 30th Annual Day of Caring highlights the power of collaboration and the spirit of service that makes the community thrive. United Way of Indian River County thanks all volunteers, partners and sponsors – especially, Publix Super Markets, PNC Bank, YPTC, CVS Distribution, Odom, Conrado Enterprises-McDonald’s, Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company, Coffee House 1420, and Gould Cooksey Fennell – for helping prove that United is the Way.
To learn more, make a donation or get involved year-round, visit UnitedWayIRC.org. For volunteer opportunities, visit VolunteerIndianRiverCounty.org. For more information about United Way’s UPSTARTERS Initiative for youth volunteers, contact Amanda Morgan at gro.CRIyaWdetinU@nagroM.adnamA or (772) 567-8900, ext. 120.