5.18 Day Offers More Than 45 Virtual Service Projects Across the Capital Region
Albany, NY – United Way of the Greater Capital Region’s 5.18 Day is typically the single largest day of community impact in the Capital Region held annually on May 18. Last year, more than 400 volunteers completed over 40 community service projects across the Capital Region including sorting food and stocking shelves at the food bank and food pantries, outdoor clean up on site with residences and agencies, prepping garden beds and painting rooms for community spaces.
This year, the day of service is going virtual on Monday, May 18 offering more than 45 virtual service projects to help local agencies in need and a full schedule of virtual events to participate in.
"Volunteerism reflects the generous spirit of communities and throughout the response to the COVID-19 crisis we have seen so many great examples of people stepping up to make an impact in the lives of their neighbors," said Peter Gannon, President & CEO of United Way of the Greater Capital Region. "5.18 Day aims to give everyone that opportunity to give back during the unprecedented nature of this crisis -- and we will do better as a region when everyone is invested in this response."
“CDTA is always proud to support United Way’s 5.18 Day and make a meaningful impact across the Capital Region. Now, it is more important than ever to get involved and give back to our community,” said Carm Basile, CEO at CDTA. “Our team is looking forward to participating in virtual service opportunities and we can’t wait to watch our bus fill up with essential baby supplies to help many local families in need.”
“In the spirit of celebrating the 518, Feed Albany is going to prepare and donate 518 meals that will be delivered to local healthcare facilities on Monday, May 18. We are happy to support United Way’s day of community impact and proud to partner with like-minded organizations whose sole mission is to better the quality of life for those in our community,” said Dominick Purnomo, President & co-founder of Feed Albany - COVID-19 Relief and owner of dp An American Brasserie & Yono's.
“Food pantries and other agencies across the Capital Region have seen an increase in need for baby supplies as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Women United works to support and advocate for women and children in our community, which is why we are leading a community-wide baby shower drive on 5.18 Day to provide essential baby supplies to local agencies in need,” said Kate Manley, President of the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce and Member of the Women United Leadership Committee. “Thank you to United Way for leading this incredible day of community service and to everyone in the community stepping up and getting involved.”
Ways to get involved with 5.18 Day:
- Visit UnitedtoVolunteer.org and sign-up for a virtual volunteer opportunity with a local agency.
- Donate to Women United’s Baby Shower Drive, a community-wide drive collecting donations of essential baby supplies with a goal of filling a CDTA bus. The items will be distributed to local agencies in need.
- Participate in the virtual 5k Walk/Run to be done on your own time, at your own pace to benefit United Way’s COVID-19 response.
- Register for other activities throughout the day including Yoga with Root3d, 518 Sweats Workout, Sidewalk Chalk Mural Contest, a live performance from Riley Williams and trivia with Trivia Nights Live.
- Sponsors of 5.18 Day include American National, CDTA, Lowe’s, MVP Health Care, Northwestern Mutual and Sunmark Charitable Community Foundation.
For the full schedule of events visit www.unitedwaygcr.org/518-Day and sign up for a service opportunity at www.UnitedToVolunteer.org
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 Facebook.com/UnitedWayGCR