United Way of Haywood County

09/01/2026

Day 13: Teamwork makes the dreams work! Whether it's a teambuilding day, a chance to bond with coworkers, or just a way to get out of the office, our volunteers always say how much Day of Caring brings them closer together.

See what Rebecca Stamey of Haywood Vocational Opportunities has to say about her experience. 👇

08/31/2026

Day 12: This photo shows the craftsmanship of a project in 2024. What this photo doesn't show is what happened two weeks later.

That year, Day of Caring took place just 14 days before Hurricane Helene devastated our region. Despite tremendous damage everywhere, many of the ramps and stairs we built remained intact. Folks were able to safely evacuate their homes because of the things our skilled volunteers made for them.

08/26/2026

Day 11: Serving those who served is a special opportunity during Day of Caring. Back in 2021, a team of a dozen volunteers came together to build a ramp for retired Waynesville police officer Eddie Singleton.

See what Jody Nichols, Town of Waynesville employee and UWHC board member, had to say about the experience.

08/26/2026

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dolly Parton. Despite her international success as a singer, songwriter, philanthropist, businesswoman, and icon, she never forgot her roots here in Appalachia.

Executive Director Celesa Willett had the honor of meeting Dolly at a United Way conference back in 2009. "When I told her I was from Waynesville, she said, 'Why honey, you're just across the mountain from me!'."

Our hearts are with United Way of Sevier County and all our neighbors in East Tennessee.

08/21/2026

Day 10: The work we do, whether on Day of Caring or any day of the year, would not be possible without the consistent support from United Way of North Carolina. From generous grant funding to smart community initiatives, UWNC truly shows that United is the Way.

After Hurricane Helene struck our region back in 2024, Brittany Pruitt Fletcher, President & CEO of UWNC, called to check in.

Her first words: "Are you okay?"

See what Brittany has to say about her time in WNC. 👇

08/19/2026

Day 9: One day makes a lasting impact. Since 1997, our volunteers have logged over 45,000 service hours. That is equal to 1,875 days or five years!

08/17/2026

Day 8: One of our projects on the first Day of Caring was sprucing up Camp Hope in Canton. While the camp is closed now, it served the community for several decades. We are proud to have been a small part of its legacy.

08/17/2026

Day 7: Day of Caring would not be possible without organizations like the Town of Waynesville. They have volunteered with us for years and know how to work hard. Last year, their team built a new deck and installed much-needed siding for a neighbor in Waynesville.

08/17/2026

08/15/2026

Day 6: Often, we have the opportunity to help a neighbor more than once. Take Beverly Cogdill for example. Back in 2016, after an accident left her with limited mobility, a Day of Caring crew built a ramp up to her house. This year, a team will be back to lay down new pavers in front of that same ramp so Beverly can safely her transit bus.