STATE COLLEGE — Centre County United Way will host its 31st Annual United Way Day of
Caring on Thursday, Oct. 9. This one-day community service event brings together volunteers from across Centre County to support local nonprofit agencies and put the mantra UNITED is the WAY into action.
This event would not be possible without the dedication of hundreds of volunteers—returning year after year – including Penn State students, faculty and staff; teams from local businesses, clubs, and faith-based organizations; regional school districts; and individuals and families.
Volunteer registration officially opened on September 2, 2025, and opportunities can now be accessed directly through the Centre County United Way website at ccunitedway.org. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up early to secure a spot and be part of this impactful day of service.
New this year, the annual volunteer breakfast has been replaced with an after-project celebration at Champs on N. Atherton Street. All volunteers are invited to gather from 4:30–6:30 p.m. to relax, share experiences from the day, and celebrate the collective impact of their service.
The event honors its founder, Col. Gerald Russell, who envisioned a hands-on way to support local nonprofits beyond financial contributions. Colonel Russell served as an inspiring leader of this initiative until his passing in 2014 at the age of 97.
Donated dollars from the United Way Campaign are not used to fund Day of Caring-related costs, ensuring that contributions go directly toward supporting partner agencies.
