The merger of two United Way organizations in western Wisconsin means the popular Day of Caring is returning to Dunn County, and volunteers and projects are needed to make it successful.
“We are so happy the United Way Day of Caring is coming back to Dunn County,” said Jenalee Nutter, Dunn County Human Resources Director who is working to sign up employees for the event. “People really missed this, and bringing it back will be great for the community.”
The event is an annual day of action connecting teams of corporate and government volunteers with nonprofits from across Dunn and Pepin counties. Volunteer teams complete half-day projects at local nonprofits.
In July, United Way St. Croix Valley merged with the Dunn County United Way to form United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys, encompassing the counties of Burnett, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk and St. Croix.
Announcing the return of the Day of Caring in Dunn and Pepin on Oct. 10 was one of the first major initiatives of the merged organization, said Steven McCarthy, the group’s Executive Director.
“Prior to 2021, it had been a long-time tradition,” McCarthy said. “That’s why it is in people’s minds, and it’s why we are getting back to it.”