United Way Calls on Community to Volunteer for Day of Caring
13th Annual Event to Support Children Facing Weekend Hunger
Lake Charles, LA— United Way Southwest Louisiana is calling on community members, businesses, and volunteers to roll up their sleeves and make a difference during its 13th Annual Day of Caring, taking place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the United Way office located at 815 Ryan Street in Lake Charles.
This year’s Day of Caring will focus on assembling Weekend Food Packs as part of United Way Southwest Louisiana’s United Against Child Hunger Initiative—a program designed to bridge the gap for children who rely on school meals as their primary source of nutrition.
For many children across Southwest Louisiana, school breakfast and lunch are the most consistent meals they receive. But when the school bell rings on Friday afternoon, a harsh reality sets in. Weekends—and especially the summer months—often mean empty pantries, limited access to resources, and few, if any, programs available to fill the gap. For ALICE families—those who are working but still struggling to make ends meet—this challenge is even more pronounced.
“Weekend hunger is a silent crisis in our community,” said Denise Durel, President and CEO of United Way Southwest Louisiana. “When school is out, many children lose access to the meals they depend on. Through Day of Caring, our volunteers help ensure that children have food on the weekends—so they can return to school nourished, focused, and ready to learn.”
Now in its 13th year, Day of Caring has grown into one of the region’s most impactful volunteer-driven events. With the support of generous donors and dedicated volunteers, United Way Southwest Louisiana has distributed more than 50,000 Weekend Food Packs to children in need throughout the region.
When the initiative first launched, it was the first program of its kind in Southwest Louisiana, addressing a critical and often overlooked need. Its success has since inspired other organizations to follow suit, expanding the reach of weekend hunger relief efforts across the community.
“This is what happens when people come together for good,” Durel added. “What started as a single initiative has created a ripple effect—helping ensure that no child is forgotten when school is out.”
Volunteers participating in Day of Caring will assist in packing and preparing food supplies that are distributed directly to children through local schools and partners. The event offers a hands-on opportunity for individuals, families, and corporate teams to make a tangible impact in just a few hours.
To sign up to volunteer, visit:
👉 https://unitedwayswla.org/Volunteer-for-Day-of-Caring
United Way Southwest Louisiana continues to lead with innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the community—because when we unite people and resources, we can ensure every neighbor has the opportunity to thrive.
About United Way Southwest Louisiana
United Way Southwest Louisiana fights for the health, education, and financial security of every person in our community. Through strategic initiatives, partnerships, and volunteer engagement, United Way addresses the most critical needs facing Southwest Louisiana—especially for ALICE families who are working but still struggling to make ends meet. For more information, visit unitedwayswla.org.