The Day of Caring was established in 1992 by the United Way-Thomas Jefferson Area to promote the spirit and value of volunteerism, increase the awareness of local human service agencies and schools, and demonstrate what people working together for the community's good can accomplish. In 1999, the Day of Caring was renamed the United Way Laurence E. Richardson Day of Caring in honor of Larry Richardson, long-time volunteer of the United Way and the community, and past president of the Charlottesville Broadcasting Company.

AmeriCorps VISTA C.A.R.E. program and Intermec - Day of Caring Volunteers

On September 18, 2009 Smithwright was graced with a team of awesome volunteers from AmeriCorps *VISTA C.A.R.E. program and Intermec. Led by team leader Erin Pankow for VISTA and Stephanie Petersen and Melissa Lemberg representing Intermec, these teams spent over 4 hours beautifying the grounds, painting, baking with clients, doing some major household cleaning and assembling a playset at the Smithwright's Girls House in Lynnwood. Along with their efforts they brought a positive attitude and kind hearts. THANK YOU VISTA and INTERMEC! You are now officially Smithwrighteous!

First Sound Bank - Day of Caring Volunteers

On September 12th, 2008, eight employees from First Sound Bank came to Smithwright's Adult Care facility to participate as volunteers in United Way's Annual Day of Caring. For a few hours, these volunteers worked on landscaping, weeding, lawn mowing, planting and pruning the grounds. We were treated to a tour of the facility, learned a little about the challenges the residents go through and had a group picture. All agreed it was a very productive day and the good feeling we had inside when we were finished made it all worth it. Here is what a few First Sound Bank employees said about United Way Day of Caring at Smithwright Service's care facility:

"I can honestly say that the Day of Caring was an extreme eye opener for me. We often get so caught up in everyday lives, that you loose sight of those that have ongoing struggles on a daily basis. It really makes you appreciate all we have, and all that we are capable of accomplishing in life. Thanks again for including me in the Day of Caring." -Debbie

"I'd like to say that I was extremely glad I was able to be there with our group, I found the experience personally rewarding, it was a perfect day to be outside enjoying the sunshine as we worked together, I was glad we were able to accomplish all we did, I enjoyed the tour of their facility and hearing Nancy's speech, (which was both inspiring and touching), and their appreciation of our hard work made it all worthwhile." -Shawne