The biggest one-day volunteer event in Thurston County is coming up again soon. Sign up your team today!

Day of Caring is an annual event, held this year on September 24, where hundreds of volunteers from throughout Thurston County join local nonprofit and other community organizations to work on service projects. Participating organizations are matched with volunteers who give their time, talents and services to make a hands-on difference in our community.

Day of Caring has a significant impact on the needs of local nonprofits. It also enables volunteers to meet new people, work as a team, and gain new experiences.

To register your team or browse the projects, visit http://bit.ly/DayOfCaring or call 360-741-2622.

An "after-hours" party will be held for Day of Caring participants at the Olympia Farmer's market, from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. There will be food, beverages and live music. Tickets can be purchased in advance from United Way for $10, or at the door for $15.

Day of Caring is a partnership between the United Way of Thurston County and the Volunteer Center of Lewis, Mason & Thurston Counties. This year, they also are coordinating with The Evergreen State College and Saint Martin's University, to engage local college students in meaningful, hands-on projects.

Day of Caring is generously sponsored by Heritage Bank, O Bee Credit Union, Olympia Federal Savings, Providence St. Peter Hospital, TwinStar Credit Union, and Group Health Cooperative.

This event also kicks off United Way's annual fundraising campaign. This year's goal is to raise $1.4 million for health and human service programs in Thurston County.

The mission of the Volunteer Center of Lewis, Mason and Thurston Counties is to support volunteer efforts to address community needs; and inspire, engage, and mobilize volunteers. The Center accomplishes this mission by connecting people with opportunities to serve, offering volunteer management training and the promotion of volunteerism. The Center also provides more than 3,000 volunteer referrals per year, works with more than 250 nonprofit and public agencies in its service area and offers more than 650 volunteer opportunities through at www.volunteer.ws.