40 Volunteers Brighten 5 Nonprofits in Stephens County

When 40 volunteers gathered at 9 a.m. on a Friday morning in Stephens County, Oklahoma, they weren't just showing up to work. They were showing up for their community.

The United Way of Stephens County's annual Day of Caring brought together volunteers from nine different organizations to tackle projects at five local nonprofits. Teams from Walmart, Fort Sill Federal Credit Union, Arvest Bank, and other local businesses fanned out across the county with paintbrushes, gardening tools, and a shared mission to make their community better.

At Christians Concerned, volunteers removed old shrubs and planted fresh flowers to brighten the entrance. Down the road at Duncan Little Theatre, teams organized storage areas for the Junior Stagecraft Academy, creating space where young performers can learn their craft. Volunteers also prepped Girl Scouts Camp Ekowah for summer adventures, painted walls at the Stephens County Historical Museum, and planted colorful flowers at Marie Detty.

United Way Executive Director Logan Lassley explained that the day serves a dual purpose. Volunteers get hands-on experience learning what local nonprofits actually do, often for the first time. Meanwhile, nonprofits get help with projects they've been putting off because they lack the staff or resources to tackle them alone.

"We're sending people out their way and providing supplies so that they can handle it," Lassley said. The event grows each year, and organizers are already looking for more projects and partners for next year's Day of Caring.

The Ripple Effect

Board President Nate Schacht captured what makes these volunteer days special. "I love community, the sense of pride," he said, noting that Duncan has deep wells of both. When volunteers dedicate their time together, the impact multiplies beyond a single day's work.

The freshly painted museum walls will welcome visitors for years. The organized theater spaces will help young actors discover their talents. The blooming gardens will greet people seeking help at Christians Concerned, reminding them that their community cares. Each project creates lasting change that touches countless lives throughout the year.

The Day of Caring proves a simple truth: when businesses give their employees time to serve and neighbors show up for each other, everyone wins. These 40 volunteers didn't just complete tasks on a to-do list. They strengthened the fabric of their entire community, one project at a time.