Susquehanna Valley United Way Mobilizes 330+ Volunteers Across 38 Project Sites For Annual Day Of Action

Apr 24

Volunteers unite across five counties to deliver hands-on support and lasting impact for local nonprofits

Susquehanna Valley United Way (SVUW) brought communities together in a powerful show of service and collaboration during its annual Day of Action, mobilizing more than 330 volunteers across 38 project sites throughout Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union Counties.

Volunteers rolled up their sleeves to support local nonprofits through hands-on projects, including painting, landscaping, organizing, and facility improvements, delivering immediate and tangible impact where it is needed most.

“Day of Action is a reflection of what is possible when a community shows up for one another,” said Danielle Velkoff, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Susquehanna Valley United Way and coordinator of the event. “It takes months of planning, partnership, and coordination to bring this day to life, but seeing hundreds of volunteers out in the community making a difference is a reminder that this work is bigger than any one organization.”

Planning for Day of Action begins as early as November, bringing together United Way staff and a dedicated volunteer committee to coordinate project sites, recruit volunteers, and prepare for a day of service across five counties.

“Helping to bring our community together for a single day of service is always inspiring. While it may be just one Day of Action, the impact extends far beyond today,” said Taryn Crayton, a Day of Action Taskforce Committee Member and Vice President of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce.

This year’s event also included a significant investment back into participating nonprofits. Through Day of Action mini-grants, SVUW is distributing up to $5,250 across 14 project sites, its largest investment to date, helping organizations complete projects and expand their capacity to serve the community.

For many organizations, the day fills critical gaps in time, staffing, and resources.

“The Day of Action is so important because we do not have the time or staff capacity to take on projects like these, so opportunities like this are critical for our local nonprofits,” said Ginny Weibel, Executive Director of the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum.

Coleen Snover, Board President of Susquehanna Valley United Way and Vice President of Training and Development at Service 1st Federal Credit Union, has also volunteered with Day of Action for several years.

“What I love most about our Day of Action is seeing people show up for each other and make a difference by supporting the nonprofits that quietly do so much for our area every day,” Snover said.

Volunteers echoed that same sense of purpose and commitment to community.

“Volunteering is more than just giving back. It is a lifestyle. It is something you do to help your community because you believe it is the right thing to do. Whether it is being kind in everyday actions, donating food, or volunteering our time, we are helping create a more enriching environment for our youth,” said Natalie Henning of Kreamer Feed, Inc., who volunteered at the Regional Engagement Center in Selinsgrove, which serves local students from pre-kindergarten through high school.

Day of Action is made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Geisinger, Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, and UGI Utilities, Inc., whose investment helps power projects across all five counties. Their support, along with contributions from additional event and in-kind sponsors, ensures that local nonprofits have the resources needed to complete meaningful work that might not otherwise be possible.

This collective effort reflects the power of partnership across volunteers, nonprofits, and sponsors working together to strengthen the region.

“Our Day of Action shows just how strong we can be when we band together and collaborate,” said Mark Stankiewicz, President and CEO of Susquehanna Valley United Way. “Thanks to our sponsors and volunteers, we are able to mobilize in each of our counties to help local nonprofits. The continued support we see each year reflects what makes the Susquehanna Valley such a special place to live, work, and volunteer.”

From volunteers and sponsors to project sites and community partners, Day of Action continues to demonstrate what is possible when a region comes together with a shared purpose to strengthen the communities where we live and work.

For more information about Susquehanna Valley United Way and ways to get involved, visit svuw.org.