Who makes this happen? 

There would be no Day of Caring powered by PNC without the hundreds of Volunteers, many of whom participate year after year! We welcome: Penn State students, athletic teams, staff & faculty; teams from local businesses, clubs and faith-based organizations; regional school districts, individuals & couples too!

How to get involved:

Sign up for our Day of Caring Volunteer mailing list to receive notifications about volunteering HERE. Or by using the link button above. 

Our Regional Nonprofit Agencies and Organizations are invited annually to submit projects. 

A Few Reminders:

• All non-profit 501(c)3 organizations in Centre County are eligible to submit project proposals for Day of Caring.
• Organizations can access the proposal form on this page in early Summer 2026. 
• If you would like to be notified when the proposal form opens, subscribe to our Day of Caring Project Submission mailing list HERE. 
• Once all project proposals are vetted, approved, and compiled they will be made available for volunteer registration.

We are pleased to honor our event founder, Colonel Gerald Russell.

In the early 90’s Colonel Gerald Russell was serving on the Centre County United Way Board of Directors and was passionate to create new ways to assist area agencies beyond supporting them financially – hence, the Day of Caring was born. The event grew quickly as Colonel Russell had a wonderful way to inspire those around him. Russell actively served as a leader of the event and in late years was always there to lend a smile and encouragement. Colonel Russell passed away in 2014 at the age of 97.

No donated dollars to the United Way Campaign are used to underwrite any Day of Caring costs.