A 35-year Tulsa tradition continued Friday as more than 4,600 residents helped area nonprofits complete 230 projects as part of the Day of Caring.
The Tulsa Area United Way began sponsoring the event in 1991 during the first Friday of September as part of its annual fundraising drive. The idea is to connect residents directly to nonprofits to see their needs and learn more about their missions.
In 2002, TAUW shifted the day to coincide with the commemoration of the 9/11 attacks. At the time, President George W. Bush called on Americans to dedicate two years of their lives, or 4,000 hours during their lifetime, to volunteer service.
Often, the day is held near 918 Day, which was started by Mayor G.T. Bynum in 2018 to honor the city’s culture, history and people.
Volunteers from Tulsa Airports gather at The Church Studio to participate in Tulsa Area United Way’s Day of Giving on Friday, September 18, 2026. This event brought together more than 4,500 volunteers Friday, September 18, to complete 189 projects for nonprofits and community organizations across the region. Credit: Molly McElwain / Tulsa Flyer 
Volunteers from Tulsa Airports gather at The Church Studio to participate in Tulsa Area United Way’s Day of Giving on Friday, September 18, 2026. This event brought together more than 4,500 volunteers Friday, September 18, to complete 189 projects for nonprofits and community organizations across the region. Credit: Molly McElwain / Tulsa Flyer 
Volunteers from Bank of Oklahoma gather at Camp Tall Chief to participate in Tulsa Area United Way’s Day of Giving on Friday, September 18, 2026. This event brought together more than 4,500 volunteers Friday, September 18, to complete 189 projects for nonprofits and community organizations across the region. Credit: Molly McElwain / Tulsa Flyer 
Volunteers from Bank of Oklahoma gather at Camp Tall Chief to participate in Tulsa Area United Way’s Day of Giving on Friday, September 18, 2026. This event brought together more than 4,500 volunteers Friday, September 18, to complete 189 projects for nonprofits and community organizations across the region. Credit: Molly McElwain / Tulsa Flyer 
Volunteers from Bank of Oklahoma gather at Camp Tall Chief to participate in Tulsa Area United Way’s Day of Giving on Friday, September 18, 2026. This event brought together more than 4,500 volunteers Friday, September 18, to complete 189 projects for nonprofits and community organizations across the region. Credit: Molly McElwain / Tulsa Flyer 
Volunteers from Bank of Oklahoma gather at Camp Tall Chief to participate in Tulsa Area United Way’s Day of Giving on Friday, September 18, 2026. This event brought together more than 4,500 volunteers Friday, September 18, to complete 189 projects for nonprofits and community organizations across the region. Credit: Molly McElwain / Tulsa Flyer 
Volunteers from Bank of Oklahoma gather at Camp Tall Chief to participate in Tulsa Area United Way’s Day of Giving on Friday, September 18, 2026. This event brought together more than 4,500 volunteers Friday, September 18, to complete 189 projects for nonprofits and community organizations across the region. Credit: Molly McElwain / Tulsa Flyer 
Volunteers from Bank of Oklahoma gather at Camp Tall Chief to participate in Tulsa Area United Way’s Day of Giving on Friday, September 18, 2026. This event brought together more than 4,500 volunteers Friday, September 18, to complete 189 projects for nonprofits and community organizations across the region. Credit: Molly McElwain / Tulsa Flyer
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