Valdosta Volunteers Unite for Spring Day of Caring

When neighbors come together to help neighbors, entire communities transform in a single day.

Greater Valdosta United Way rallied volunteers across Valdosta and Lowndes County, Georgia on Friday for its Spring Day of Caring. The biannual event connected residents of all ages with hands-on projects that directly strengthened local nonprofits.

Volunteers painted hallways at Legacy Behavioral Health and assembled food boxes at Second Harvest of South Georgia. Others tackled facility improvements at The Haven's Sexual Assault Center and enhanced spaces at the Boys & Girls Club of South Georgia Teen Center. Teams also assisted projects at the Valdosta-Lowndes County Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

"Day of Caring is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together," said Tia Mayes, marketing and development director at Greater Valdosta United Way. High volunteer turnout ensures critical community needs get met throughout the year.

The projects went beyond simple beautification. By improving facilities and organizing supplies, volunteers helped these nonprofits increase their capacity to serve families in need. Better organized food banks feed more people. Freshly painted facilities create welcoming spaces for mental health services and youth development programs.

The Ripple Effect

The Spring Day of Caring represents just one piece of Greater Valdosta United Way's year-round commitment to community wellness. The organization works to strengthen health, education, and financial stability across the region by supporting nonprofits that provide critical services.

When volunteers spend a Friday sorting donations or painting walls, they're expanding access to food, improving mental health services, providing safe shelter, and creating positive spaces for young people. These improvements help local organizations better serve individuals and families who need them most.

Local businesses stepped up to make the day possible. Wawa, Ace Electric, Red Owl, and Raising Cane's sponsored the initiative. Dozens of other partners including Moody Air Force Base, SGMC Health, and Coca-Cola United contributed support and volunteers.

The next Day of Caring will bring another wave of community improvement to Valdosta later this year.