Since its inaugural 518 Day six years ago, UWGCR has brought together more than 1,000 volunteers at dozens of community service projects each spring. This year, volunteers will pitch in at more than 50 local projects on Friday, May 17. 

Thursday’s announcement was made during a press conference at Capital Roots’ 8th Street Community Garden and Urban Farm in Troy. In addition to hosting a volunteer project on May 17, the Troy nonprofit will be one of the organizations donors can support on 518 Day of Giving. 

Capital Roots has served the Capital Region for nearly 50 years, nourishing communities by creating equitable access to fresh food and green spaces. Volunteers joined the organization to help prepare the properties for the growing season and to beautify the neighborhood sidewalks.

“Capital Roots is excited to join United Way and all of the incredible nonprofit organizations for this year’s 518 Day of Giving,” Capital Roots CEO Amy Klein said. “As the demand for healthy food access continues to grow, the support from our community and projects like this help us cultivate a future where nutritious food is a universal right, accessible to all.”

Nearly a dozen employees from MVP Health Care joined UWGCR and Capital Roots on Thursday. MVP is proud to serve as the Presenting Sponsor of 518 Day for the third consecutive year. MVP’s employees spent the remainder of the morning and early afternoon pitching in at the Community Garden and Urban Farm.

“Creating healthier communities is the foundation of MVP Health Care’s mission, and what better way to create healthier communities than to support our local nonprofits,” said MVP Health Care’s Community Initiatives Manager and UWGCR Board Member, Brandi Landy. “United Way’s 518 Day provides everyone in the region the opportunity to support our nonprofits and the important work they do to enhance our community. We are not only proud to be the presenting sponsor of this important community service day, but MVP employees will be out in force participating in 518 Day projects across the Capital Region.”

518 Day of Giving is modeled on similar fundraisers that have successfully raised millions of dollars for the nonprofit sector in other parts of the country. Earlier this month, United Way of Rhode Island and its partners raised more than $3.8 million for nearly 600 organizations during its annual 401 Gives event. 

Individuals who visit 518Day.org will be able to search organizations by name, location, or cause. This enables donors to discover and support local nonprofits that are making a positive impact through a wide range of missions, including animal welfare, disability services, disaster relief and emergency response, education, health and wellness, homelessness and housing support, LGBTQ+ causes, immigration and refugee support, poverty and hunger, and racial equity.  

In addition to being featured on 518Day.org, each participating organization will have its own unique donation page. All donation pages will go live on May 4 and remain active through May 20.

To learn more, visit 518Day.org