Over 40 Volunteers Join CCE Monroe for 2025 Day of Caring

On Thursday, May 15th, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County (CCE Monroe) proudly participated in the 2025 Day of Caring, sponsored by the United Way of the Finger Lakes. This annual day of volunteerism is the largest single day of community service in the region, uniting thousands of volunteers across the Finger Lakes to give back to local nonprofits, schools, and community organizations.

Volunteers and staff work to prepare the South Lawn Farm beds for planting during United Way's 2025 Day of Caring

CCE Monroe welcomed more than 40 incredible volunteers from CareStream and QuidelOrtho, whose efforts made a powerful impact across the organization’s teaching gardens and educational farm space. Thanks to their hard work and enthusiasm, projects that would have taken staff weeks to complete were accomplished in just one day.

Volunteer teams tackled a wide variety of essential tasks, including weeding, mulching, replanting trees, trimming branches, preparing planting beds on the South Lawn Farm, and even helping set up the biochar kiln—a sustainable tool used in soil enrichment and carbon sequestration.

“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support and service shown by each and every volunteer,” said Andrea Lista, Executive Director of CCE Monroe. “It was inspiring to witness such commitment to strengthening our shared community spaces.”

The day was made even more special thanks to a generous lunch donation from Jersey Mike’s in Irondequoit and Pub 235 in Webster. Not only did Jersey Mike’s help feed the team, but team members Nate and Kayla also joined the volunteer efforts on-site, truly embodying the spirit of community care.

About Day of Caring

Organized by the United Way of the Finger Lakes, Day of Caring is an annual event that mobilizes local businesses and individuals to give back through hands-on service. It’s a chance for workplaces to come together, build camaraderie, and make a lasting impact by supporting the critical work of nonprofit organizations in the region.

About Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County

CCE Monroe is a trusted community resource, providing research-based education and outreach in the areas of agriculture, youth development, horticulture, nutrition, and sustainability. Through hands-on learning, partnerships, and programming, CCE Monroe helps individuals and communities thrive, supporting a healthier, more resilient Monroe County for all.