Hundreds of volunteers boost Union County nonprofits in Day of Action

More than 330 volunteers fanned out to 38 nonprofit sites across five counties Friday, giving Union County groups extra hands, fresh paint and more than $5,000 in mini-grants.

Susquehanna Valley United Way’s Day of Action sent volunteers to projects that included painting, landscaping, organizing spaces and facility improvements. The effort stretched across Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties, and the final turnout landed close to the 338 volunteers organizers had expected.

For Union County, the value was practical, not ceremonial. Local nonprofits were part of a regional push that improved the places where residents go for food, youth support and other services. The day also included work tied to youth and veterans programs, showing how one volunteer campaign can touch several parts of community life at once.

The grant money added another layer of support. More than $5,000 in mini-grants went to participating organizations, a small but meaningful cushion for nonprofits that often operate on thin margins and cannot easily absorb the cost of repairs, supplies or basic upkeep. In a county where many service providers rely on a mix of donations, volunteers and stretched staff, that kind of help can keep a facility usable and welcoming.

Susquehanna Valley United Way says its mission is to mobilize communities in Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties around Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security and Community Resiliency. The Day of Action is one of the clearest ways that mission becomes visible, turning volunteer labor into cleaner, safer and more functional spaces for residents who depend on local nonprofit services.

The need, though, remains larger than one day. United Way said last year’s Day of Action drew 320-plus volunteers at 38 project sites, and its broader 2024-2025 campaign raised $687,702, topping a $665,000 goal. Those numbers show sustained support, but they also underline a harder truth: nonprofit work in the Susquehanna Valley still depends on a steady blend of money, staffing and volunteer power to keep up with community needs.