United Way Day of Caring mobilizes 120+ volunteers for projects across Knox County

On Sept. 12, the spirit of service was in full force across Knox County as more than 120 volunteers gathered for the United Way Day of Caring, an annual event dedicated to making a difference through hands-on community service. Organized by the United Way of Knox County, the event featured a variety of service projects that took place throughout the day at locations across the county.

Volunteers were welcomed early Friday morning by Executive Director Katie Ellis, Program Coordinator Kristina Hagemann, Communications Assistant Isabel McDonald, and Resource Navigator Walt Lewis, who coordinated the large-scale effort to connect volunteers with meaningful projects across the county.

Projects ranged widely in scope and location. At Ariel-Foundation Park, volunteers performed much-needed brush cleanup, and landscaping to help maintain the park’s beauty and accessibility. Elsewhere, groups built bicycles for youth, worked at the Freedom Center, and took part in housing construction efforts with Habitat for Humanity.

One of the day’s most impactful projects took place at 57 Columbus Road in Mount Vernon, where volunteers helped install insulation and siding on a new Habitat for Humanity home. This home is part of a larger affordable housing initiative, made possible through a partnership between Habitat for Humanity and the Knox County Area Foundation. The initiative includes a total of 12 homes, six of which have already been built. Construction on the remaining six will begin within the next month, with all homes expected to be completed by March 2026.

To show appreciation for the volunteers’ hard work, a luncheon was held at noon at the Park Pavilion at Ariel-Foundation Park. Volunteers gathered for a well-deserved break, enjoying food, fellowship, and the opportunity to reflect on the morning’s accomplishments.

Before the luncheon, Ellis addressed the crowd, introduced the United Way of Knox County team, and thanked those in attendance for donating their time and energy to service projects that directly benefit neighbors and communities across the county.

“The United Way makes every effort, whether it is time or financial assistance to ensure that we are impacting the education, health, and financial stability all across Knox County,” Ellis said, reinforcing the mission that drives the organization’s year-round work. 

The Day of Caring continues to serve as a cornerstone event for United Way of Knox County, illustrating the transformative impact of community collaboration. Volunteers represented a diverse mix of local businesses and organizations, all unified by a shared goal: to uplift their communities through meaningful action.

While the projects varied in complexity — from physical construction to landscaping and organizing — the common thread throughout the day was a strong sense of purpose and community spirit. Volunteers not only provided essential services but also strengthened the social fabric of Knox County through teamwork, generosity, and compassion. At the Habitat for Humanity work site on Columbus Road, employees from Heating and Cooling Products in Mount Vernon — including Abbi Tomlinson and Tasha Church — wore matching t-shirts emblazoned with the word “teamwork,” a visible and fitting reminder of the unity and shared commitment driving the day’s efforts.

As the day ended, many completed projects stood as a testament to the volunteers’ dedication and the United Way’s commitment to improving lives in Knox County. With the momentum from the Day of Caring and upcoming efforts like the Habitat housing project, the United Way continues to build a stronger, more resilient community for all.

This year’s Day of Caring wasn’t just a single day of service — it was a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when people come together to care.