United Way of the Greater Capital Region kicks off its Annual 518 Day, the Largest Single Day of Community Impact in the Capital Region
United Way’s 518 Day returns this year with dozens of volunteer opportunities with community-based organizations from across the Capital Region on Wednesday, May 18. A play on the local area code, 518 Day showcases the region’s ability to bring community partners and volunteers together to make a positive impact in the neighborhoods where we all work and live.
"Every day United Way fights to improve the health, education and economic mobility of each person in our community," said United Way of the Greater Capital Region (UWGCR) President and CEO, Peter Gannon. "As the Largest Single Day of Community Impact, 518 Day uniquely showcases how we can harness the collective will and resources of the Capital Region to improve the wellbeing of everyone who calls "The 518" home. Without the generosity and support of our many partners and volunteers, it would be impossible to positively impact so many lives in the communities we serve."
A longtime supporter and partner of UWGCR and 518 Day, MVP Health Care is this year’s presenting sponsor.
“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 Vice President of Community Engagement, Ellen Sax. “The 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.”
Hundreds of volunteers will lend a hand at more than 30 community projects, including “Stuff the CDTA Bus,” which supports Women United’s Community Baby Shower. Community members are encouraged to donate items for new mothers and babies at buses stationed at Crossgates Mall from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday May 14 and 15 and again on May 18’s 518 Day. Additionally, SUNY Empire State College will host a “Stuff the CDTA Bus” event at 1 Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs from 10 am to 4 p.m. on 518 Day.
“As a longstanding partner of United Way, CDTA is proud to once again support 518 Day,” said CDTA CEO and United Way Board Chairman, Carm Basile. “As an organization that prides itself on connecting communities and being a community resource, it’s wonderful to use our buses as sites for the community-wide baby shower supporting new moms and families.”
518 Day festivities culminate with a pre-game community celebration at 5 p.m. at Joe Bruno Stadium on the Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) campus. Fans who purchase tickets to that evening’s Tri-City ValleyCats game through the team’s website using the promo code LIVEUNITED can enjoy the action on the field for a bargain price of $5.18.
“Hudson Valley Community College is proud to again support 518 Day and the mission of United Way as it encourages our community to give back,” said United Way Board Member and HVCC President Dr. Roger Ramsammy. “As a college focused on serving the needs of our region and our community, the importance of civic engagement, volunteering and the mission of working to help others are topics that are near and dear to our hearts. Events like these demonstrate just how much of an impact we can make when we all come together to support our community and volunteer our time to serve others.”
On top of the already-mentioned events, there are dozens of additional projects for local companies, families, and individuals to get involved on 518 Day. A full list of service projects can be found at UWGCR’s volunteer portal at www.unitedtovolunteer.org. Additional opportunities include:
• Virtual 5K sponsored by Tri-City Rentals to benefit UWGCR
• Random Acts of Kindness BINGO, and Random Acts of Kindness BINGO for Kids, in partnership with Stewart’s Shops, to encourage individuals and classrooms to give back
• Sunrise Yoga with Honest Weight Food Co-op on the rooftop of The Blake Annex
• Albany ENT will host free vision and hearing clinics at Mechanicville Area Community Services Center and the Cohoes Senior Center, which are open to all ages with no insurance required
Along with 518 Day Presenting Sponsor MVP Health Care, 518 Day supporters include American National Insurance, Honest Weight Food Co-op, Northwestern Mutual, Sunmark Charitable Community Foundation, Tri City Rentals, Albany ENT & Allergy Services, Beech-Nut, Lowe’s, UPS, and Mercury Screenprinting.
ABOUT UNITED WAY OF THE GREATER CAPITAL REGION
United Way of the Greater Capital Region is an organization that fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. It unites donors, volunteers, and community organizations in a common mission to strengthen our community and improve social conditions in the Capital Region and beyond. Learn more at www.unitedwaygcr.org or www.Facebook.com/UnitedWayGCR