FAQS FOR AGENCIES AND VOLUNTEERS

Is There a Volunteer Minimum or Maximum?
We recommend caping at 15 volunteers to ensure there is enough project work to keep volunteers busy and engaged for the duration of the event.

Is There a Limit to the Number of Projects I Can Register?
There is no limit, but if you have multiple projects, you will need to register each separately as a new Need under the Day of Caring Initiative. Each project must have its own Project Coordinator. This is easily done by going to the Needs tab in your agency Profile ("My Agency") and clicking "Add New Need".

What Types of Needs Can I Submit?
Here are some ideas as you plan your Day of Caring Project. Be creative and have fun and please keep health and safety measures in mind: 

oSpring-cleaning, neighborhood, or block clean-up

oGardening/landscaping, weeding, mulching, tree/flower planting

oCemetery clean up or gravestone washing

oVirtual Needs: Phone calls, writing emails, marketing support, IT support, etc.  

oPriming, painting, or staining a space

oLight carpentry or small repairs

oSorting and distributing food, clothing, or books to those in need

oDelivering food baskets or other items

oServing a meal for seniors, children or patients

oClerical work such as organizing, dusting, filing, etc.

oAssembling first-aid kits, blizzard boxes, back-to-school packs, or other items

oInstalling fire alarms in homes for community members

Should I Provide Volunteer Orientation?
Upon arrival, make sure you thank your volunteer teams for their work and share how excited you are to welcome them to your agency. We recommend a short orientation prior to starting your Day of Caring Project. You may want to include staff/client introductions, agency mission, program descriptions, lunch and snack details, and safety guidelines. At the end of the project, make sure you thank the volunteers again for their hard work.

Who is Responsible for Providing Supplies/Materials?
Your agency is responsible for providing all the necessary supplies, tools and equipment. You can ask volunteers to bring everyday items they may have at their workplace or home. Examples include garden tools, small hand tools, rakes, shovels, gloves, paint scrapers, brushes, etc.

What if it Rains?
Day of Caring is held rain or shine. It is recommended that you plan a backup Day of Caring Project in case of inclement weather and if other projects are completed ahead of schedule and volunteers still have time to give your agency. A change in weather may require a switch of plans, a move to a new location, or different supplies. If there is severe weather, you are expected to contact your Volunteer Team Captain(s) to discuss alternate plans or cancellation and update the United Way.

I've Registered My Day of Caring Project...What's Next?
After you have registered your Day of Caring Project, you will receive an email confirmation which will recap your submission. We strongly recommend that you keep a copy of the confirmation email for your records. The United Way of Cayuga County will match you with a volunteer team and you will receive an email from Development & Engagement Manager, Julisa Stone-Szpaicher connecting you and your Volunteer Team Captain(s) on Monday, July 27. You are expected to continue that conversation to go over day of logistics so that all parties are prepared for the event.

FAQS FOR TEAMS AND INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEERS

Can I Register as an Individual?
Individuals are welcome to participate. You are also encouraged to recruit your family or friends to form a team.

How Big Can My Team Be?
Teams should be no larger than 15 members each as this is commonly the largest amount of volunteers our Day of Caring Project sites can safely host. Your organization or group is strongly encouraged to create multiple teams of 5, 10, or 15 members. In the event of multiple teams from one organization or group, we will do our best to pair these teams together at larger project sites—but we cannot guarantee this.

Can I Add More Teams or Make Changes to My Registration Later?
Once you have registered, you can return to the site at any time. Just use your log-in credentials as your Team Captain and manage your profile and teams accordingly. Or you can reach out to Development & Engagement Manager, Julisa Stone-Szpaicher at jstone@unitedwayofcayugacounty.org

What Is the Day of Caring Project Length?
All Day of Caring Projects will have a start and end time. Most projects are 2-6 hours in duration.

Am I Responsible for My Own Transportation?
Yes. All volunteers must provide their own transportation or make arrangements to carpool to the assigned Day of Caring Project location.

What if it Rains?
Day of Caring is held rain or shine. Keep in mind that weather conditions can easily change and volunteers should arrive prepared for all conditions. A change in weather may require a switch of plans, a move to a new location or different supplies. In cases of severe weather, we strongly encourage you to contact the Day of Caring Project Coordinator to discuss alternate plans.

I've Registered My Team... What's Next?
After you have registered your Team, you will receive an email confirmation which will recap your submission. We strongly recommend that you keep a copy of the confirmation email for your records. The United Way of Cayuga County will match Team Captains and those who sign up as Individuals to a Day of Caring Project. Team Captains and Individuals will receive an email from Development & Engagement Manager, Julisa Stone-Szpaicher connecting you to your Day of Caring Project Coordinator on Monday, July 27. You are expected to continue that conversation to go over day of logistics so that all parties are prepared for the event. 

How Do I Sign-up for a Day of Caring T-Shirt?
T-shirts are free to all registered volunteers. On your registration form, there will be a question asking you for your t-shirt size. Team Captains, are responsible for gathering and submitting sizes to Development & Engagement Manager, Julisa Stone-Szpaicher. Volunteer registrations and shirt sizes must be received by 4pm on Thursday, July 2. We cannot accommodate late shirt requests.

Late volunteer registration, but really want a t-shirt? A special run of shirts can be made at the expense of the volunteers and will be available for pick-up by September. Shirts are $20 each and require a 24 minimum order.

 

USING THE VOLUNTEER CAYUGA SITE

How will I be notified that I am confirmed for an opportunity?
If you register as an Individual or as the Team Captain, you will receive an automatic reply from Volunteer Cayuga that your submission was received. The United Way of Cayuga County will pair volunteers and projects once registration closes and Team Captains and Individuals will receive an email connecting them to their Day of Caring Project Site Coordinator on Monday, July 27.

Team Captains are expected to share Day of Caring Breakfast Rally and Project information with their teams. If you are a member of a team and have not heard anything reach out to your Team Captain or call the United Way office at 315.253.9741.


Helpful items to bring with you the day of your shift: Snacks, water, sunscreen, a hat, and bug spray. If you are working outdoors, it may be helpful to wear pants and a long sleeve shirt to protect yourself. Sneakers are encouraged.

 

 

UNITED WAY POINTS OF CONTACT

Day of Caring Contact:
Julisa Stone-Szpaicher
Development & Engagement Manager
jstone@unitedwayofcayugacounty.org
315.253.9741 x114

Volunteer Cayuga Technical Support
Sarah Sayles
Programs Coordinator
ssayles@unitedwayofcayugacounty.org
315.253.9741 x119