Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
United Way of Northwest Louisiana (UWNWLA) reached a significant milestone on Thursday, May 1, as it celebrated the 40th annual Day of Caring—the region’s largest single-day, community-wide volunteer event. The landmark occasion brought together approximately 350 volunteers from local businesses and organizations, united in their mission to complete high-impact projects for area nonprofits.
Sponsored in part by Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana, this year’s event combined meaningful service with renewed energy. The day began with a lively pep rally-style breakfast at the casino’s ballroom, where attendees were welcomed with music from DJ Smiley, surprise raffle prizes, and a spirited group dance to “Boots on the Ground” by 803Fresh. The kickoff also aligned with United Way’s national brand refresh, United is the Way, signaling a vibrant new era for the long-standing tradition.
“Day of Caring reminds us that the heart of Northwest Louisiana is its people,” said Kimberly Williams, UWNWLA Interim Director of Community Impact. “When we come together to serve, we’re not just helping others—we’re building a stronger, more connected community.”
Following the breakfast program, volunteers fanned out to project sites across Shreveport and Bossier City, beginning their service work promptly at 10 a.m. Teams of 5 to 15 volunteers tackled tasks such as landscaping, painting, organizing donations, and facility improvements—projects many nonprofits could not afford without outside help.
Notable project locations included:
United Way’s Essential Needs Kit Packing Project (805 Brook Hollow Dr, Shreveport)
Northwest Louisiana Family Justice Center (1513 Doctors Drive, Bldg. 1, Bossier City)
Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana (277 Mt Zion Rd, Shreveport)
Thanks to overwhelming enthusiasm from the community, Day of Caring 2025 reached full capacity weeks ahead of time, with all volunteer spots and nonprofit project submissions quickly filled. The event’s popularity is a testament to its impact and the commitment of local citizens to give back.
Throughout the day, participants and community members shared behind-the-scenes photos and stories on social media using the hashtag #DOC2025, showcasing the collective effort and pride that have become hallmarks of the event.
This 40th edition of Day of Caring not only honored a rich legacy of service but also reinforced its importance as a unifying force in Northwest Louisiana. As volunteers packed kits, painted classrooms, and stocked food pantries, they didn’t just meet needs—they built lasting connections and demonstrated what’s possible when a community rallies together.