A Record-Breaking Day of Giving Back
On May 21, 209 volunteers, including individuals and teams from 23 companies, joined Oshkosh Area United Way for our 28th Annual Day of Caring—a record-setting force for good. Together, they completed 34 projects benefiting 23 local nonprofits, contributing over 627 hours of service valued at nearly $20,000. This was our highest number of volunteers to date and a clear reflection of what’s possible when a community steps up to serve—together.
Morning Kickoff Sets the Tone
The morning kicked off with energy and inspiration at the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh. Shane Carter, President of Ascension Mercy Hospital and proud Oshkosh Area United Way Board member, welcomed attendees and shared this year’s impressive volunteer impact. He then introduced Kate Zurn, Executive Director of the Resolution Center.
Kate shared how her journey from community volunteer to nonprofit leader began with a search for meaningful opportunities outside of her engineering job. Through VolunteerOshkosh.org, she discovered an opportunity at the Resolution Center that allowed her to make a difference in people’s lives. That volunteer role eventually led to her next chapter: becoming the organization’s Executive Director. Kate spoke about how impactful volunteers are to her nonprofit’s daily work—and how essential VolunteerOshkosh.org is for connecting individuals looking to give back to organizations that need support. Her story highlighted the lasting ripple effect that volunteer engagement can have on building a stronger, more connected community.
Kate then introduced Craig Cappel, President and CEO of Hoffmaster, who thanked the crowd of volunteers and spoke about why his company continues to support United Way and Day of Caring. He reflected on his own experience as a first-time volunteer last year, noting with a smile that although he’s “not allowed to do landscaping at home,” he found himself doing just that at a local nonprofit—and found the experience both rewarding and inspiring.
Following Craig’s remarks, Amy Reese, Marketing and Volunteer Center Manager at Oshkosh Area United Way, shared a few words as the event’s lead organizer.
“As someone who tends to stay behind the scenes, I was truly overwhelmed, in the best way, by the outpouring of support. With help from my incredible coworkers who assisted with planning, and our dedicated volunteers who supported registration and logistics, this event came to life in such a meaningful way. Seeing a record number of volunteers step forward reminded me just how powerful this community really is.”
Shane Carter, President of Ascension Mercy Hospital, kicks off Day of Caring by welcoming volunteers and highlighting the impact of their service.
Kate Zurn, Executive Director of the Resolution Center, shares her journey from volunteer to nonprofit leader during the Day of Caring kickoff.
Craig Cappel, President and CEO of Hoffmaster, thanks volunteers and reflects on his experience volunteering for Day of Caring for the first time last year.
From Inspiration to Impact
But the true value of the day wasn’t measured in numbers. It was amplified through the hands-on service that followed the morning kickoff—when volunteers got to work across the community, turning inspiration into meaningful action. From scrubbing floors to sitting beside a senior who would benefit from some companionship, Day of Caring was about building relationships just as much as completing tasks.
While the weather didn’t fully cooperate, some volunteers were able to complete outdoor projects while others had backup indoor projects ready to go, and only a few needed to be rescheduled. Volunteers embraced the day with flexibility, heart, and an unwavering spirit of service.
Compassion in Action
At Edenbrook Oshkosh, a first-time project site, volunteers from Forward Service Corporation (FSC), Hoffmaster, and U.S. Bank spent the morning offering companionship to residents who may not receive many visitors.
“It was nice to be able to visit with those that do not have family and tend to stay in their rooms,” shared Mindy C., a volunteer from Forward Service Corporation. “Jeanie did a great job giving us an overview of each of the residents we would meet with. Our FSC team had a wonderful time volunteering at our various sites. We look forward to partnering with you again next year for Day of Caring.”
At Casa Esther, a returning volunteer family—who kindly rescheduled their project due to the weather—helped prepare the nonprofit’s garden plot for its summer Gather at the Garden program. The initiative invites youth to discover where their food comes from and take part in growing produce for local pantries. With plants provided by a UW-Extension horticulture instructor, the project is rooted in hands-on education, nourishment, and community care.
Strengthening Neighborhood Connections
This year also marked our first partnership with Oshkosh Healthy Neighborhoods, which helped connect us with local neighborhood associations to identify residents in need of spring yard cleanup—an effort that brought neighbors and volunteers together for shared support.
Other community champions helped refresh the patio area at Elijah’s Place, part of Miravida Living. The Oshkosh Garden Club donated $200 which was used to purchase flowers, dirt, bird seed, and other supplies. The River East Neighborhood Association also handcrafted birdhouses. Volunteers from Bank First helped bring this project to life—planting flowers, assembling new patio furniture, and painting the birdhouses to help bring color and joy back to the outdoor space.
Supporting Seniors with Care and Conversation
Geralyn Boegel, from Simeanna Apartments and Carmel Residence, also part of Miravida Living, shared:
“Thank you for a wonderful event today and a great group of volunteers. They were so great with residents and got so many tasks completed!”
Volunteers from Vivid Orthodontics spent the morning at Miravida’s Simeanna Apartments and Carmel Residence, organizing closets, cleaning ceiling fans, and brightening residents’ day through meaningful conversation.
Community Pride at a Global Destination
At EAA – The Spirit of Aviation, Southwest Rotary volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help clean and prepare this local treasure to welcome guests from around the globe.
“We were proud to roll up our sleeves for Oshkosh Area United Way’s Day of Caring last week!” they shared. “Service above self is more than a motto—it’s how we build stronger communities, together.”
Volunteers from U.S. Bank, Silver Star Brands, and our Oshkosh Area United Way Board also helped with projects in the Print Shop and Retail departments to get ready for this summer’s annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
Giving Beyond Time
In addition to hands-on service, volunteers also collected much-needed diapers (sizes 5 and 6), baby wipes, and children’s sunscreen to help stock our LIVE UNITED Community Vault.
The LIVE UNITED Community Vault is a central collection point at Oshkosh Area United Way for essential items like hygiene products, cleaning supplies, diapers, paper products, and seasonal gear. These donations are shared with local nonprofits that support individuals and families in need—helping them stretch limited budgets and serve more people.
When you give to the Vault, your impact is amplified: one donation can support multiple agencies and touch countless lives. You can help by donating new, unused items or by organizing a collection drive at your workplace, school, or with a community group. It’s a simple way to multiply kindness and meet real needs in our community.
Check out our full donation list at https://bit.ly/StockTheVault. Donations can be dropped off at Oshkosh Area United Way, 16 Washington Avenue. We recommend calling ahead at (920) 235-8560 or emailing oauw@oshkoshunitedway.org to ensure a staff member is available to assist you.
A Legacy of Service
While the projects, partners, and even the weather may change from year to year, our commitment to community never wavers. United is the Way to build a stronger, more connected community—one project, one person, one act of service at a time.
Keep the Momentum Going
When you give to Oshkosh Area United Way, you’re doing more than supporting a day of service—you’re investing in a mission that brings people together to care for one another, strengthen nonprofits, and build lasting connections across our community.
Events like Day of Caring are possible because of your generosity. Your support ensures that VolunteerOshkosh.org remains free and accessible for nonprofits seeking helping hands and for individuals ready to serve.
Visit VolunteerOshkosh.org to find volunteer opportunities that match your interests and schedule.
Special Thanks
We’re especially grateful to:
- Ascension Mercy Hospital, our Presenting Sponsor
- Hoffmaster, Partner Sponsor and advocate for our mission
- The area nonprofits who welcomed volunteers and provided meaningful projects that made a real impact in our community
- Rodney’s Café & Catering and Kwik Trip, for an energizing breakfast
- The Monday Ladies, Al Shermo, and Colin Meighen, for early-morning setup and registration support
- Shane Carter, Kate Zurn, and Craig Cappel, for sharing thoughtful words during our kickoff
- Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh, for hosting our morning launch
- The Wisconsin Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, for providing a grant through the Service Fund Program that allowed us to offer a sign language interpreter at our event
- And everyone who donated diapers, wipes, and sunscreen to stock our LIVE UNITED Community Vault—your generosity will directly support families in need
