Running for the 518: 

United Way & CDPHP Support Capital Region Nonprofit Organizations

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 1, 2026) – To mark the beginning of National Volunteer Month, United Way of the Greater Capital Region has partnered with CDPHP to connect volunteer service with the CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge and offer critical support to local nonprofit organizations. 

This year’s 518 Day, the single largest day of volunteering in the Capital Region, will encompass more than 30 different nonprofit projects across six counties. For the first time, participation in 518 Day will be tied with CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge Charities of Choice. 

Supporting Charities of Choice

For every CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge participant who also signs up to volunteer on 518 Day, United Way has committed $10 to the race’s Charities of Choice, Catholic Charities and Crossroads Center for Children, up to $10,000. Joining these two signature community events, traditionally held in the same week in May, celebrates generosity in the Capital Region while strengthening support for local nonprofits.

518 Day of Service

518 Day will feature dozens of projects that help update community spaces, organize donated items, build outdoor play areas, and beautify landscape. All projects will be completed in a single day, helping organizations complete meaningful, necessary work. 

518 Day projects support nonprofits of all sizes that rely heavily on the dedication of local volunteers. In partnership with CDPHP, United Way will also lead a community-wide volunteer opportunity supporting its Born Thriving initiative, which focuses on ensuring every child has the resources to grow, learn, and succeed at all stages of life. 

Diaper Drive

A Born Thriving Diaper Drive will be held on Monday, May 18, at CDPHP Fitness Connect at the Ciccotti Center to support organizations serving the Capital Region’s youngest residents. Volunteers will also help assemble Summer Fun Kits to be distributed through partners in the Summer Meals Collaborative. 

For more than a century, United Way has mobilized volunteers to come together, strengthening communities and creating lasting local impact. This partnership expands that outreach by connecting more people in the community to service opportunities.