June 17th, 2026
Each year, United Ways across the country participate in a national day of service called Day of Action. It’s the perfect opportunity to roll up your sleeves and let your actions speak louder than words.
June 17, 2026
What: Day of Action
Day: Wednesday, June 17
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Calumet City Hall (932 Gary Street | Calumet, MN 55716)
Volunteers will come together to complete neighborhood revitalization projects with small businesses, homeowners, and in public buildings and spaces.
The big day begins at 8 a.m. with volunteer check-in at the Calumet City Hall. Volunteers will complete a waiver, receive their project assignment, and take part in a brief safety orientation followed by a team-building activity to kick off the day. From there, volunteers will head to their project sites for the morning session. Restrooms, first aid, water, and snacks will be available on or near each project site, with lunch served midday for all participants.
Event Schedule
8:00 AM – Volunteer Check-in & Project Assignment
8:30 AM – Kickoff Rally: Safety Briefing & Energizing Team-building Activity
9:00 AM – Morning Project Session Begins
11:00 AM – Habitat for Humanity Home Dedication Ceremony (312 3rd Ave, Calumet)
11:30 AM – Lunch served at the Calumet City Hall
12:30 PM – Afternoon Project Session Begins
3:00 PM – Day of Action Wrap-up
Rain Date:
If the weather is bad enough to prevent projects from taking place, Day of Action will be postponed to Thursday, June 18. If the call is made to postpone, you will receive an email notification the morning of the 17th.
What to Bring:
Please wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes and/or boots. We also recommend bringing protective eyewear, work gloves, sunscreen, bug repellent, a rain jacket, preferred snacks, pocket hand sanitizer, and/or a water bottle. You may want to bring a chair and/or a blanket to sit on during breaks.
Volunteer Waiver: To save time, you can download the waiver and bring it with you.
About Registration:
Individuals and teams can now browse dozens of volunteer opportunities (needs) at area nonprofits and community events, including Day of Action. Again this year, volunteers register using United Way’s online volunteer portal. You can self-select and match with available volunteer opportunities (needs) through an easy sign-up process. We are excited to bring this free, year-round volunteer matching platform to the Itasca region.
Calumet Project Maps:
Click here to give the Day of Action project maps.
About Day of Action
A nationwide day of service, the Day of Action is designed to engage individuals and corporate partners in meaningful projects during the summer solstice on or around June 21. Across the country, countless volunteers will make a difference in the communities where they live and work – building playgrounds, painting schools and childcare centers, delivering boxes of nutritious food, and more.
Locally, the initiative has activated more than 1,145 volunteers since it began in 2013. More than 6,719 hours of volunteer time have been given, equating to a value of $170,732 for the community, according to the Independent Sector, which releases the national value of a volunteer hour rate each year.
On February 2024, the Marble City Council joined the movement as the 2024 Day of Action host. They joined a list of other communities that have benefitted from the initiative to complete new and existing projects, including Bovey, Coleraine, Deer River, and Grand Rapids.
In addition to working with municipalities, throughout the years Itasca County Habitat for Humanity and Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) have been partners in neighborhoods revitalizing initiatives aimed at ensuring residents can live independently and safely in their homes and businesses can thrive.
Do you have any idea for a Day of Action project in your community? Get in touch with United Way to share your idea(s) and learn more about proposing a Day of Action or another volunteer project.
Team Volunteering
Do you want to sign up a company volunteer team? Want to volunteer with your family, friends, church, or civic group? Day of Action presents a great opportunity to work together to make an impact.
Signing Up a Team on Bonfire
- Visit volunteer.uwlakes.org and select the “Sign up with a group” option on the Day of Action opportunity.
- In Step 2, you’ll have the option to create a team or use a team you’ve volunteered with previously. It’s likely that you’ll need to create a new team.
- Select the CREATE TEAM button and begin inputting your team’s information. Be sure to note any relevant details, and include your company or group affiliation.
- Input your team members! While email addresses are optional, including an email address will help ensure that each team member receives reminders and information about Day of Action – such as where to park, plans for rainy weather, etc. Make sure to include ages for any volunteers under age 18, so we can be sure they’re assigned to safe and age-appropriate projects.
- Select your team captain by checking the “Team Captain” box. Make sure your team captain’s contact information has been provided.
- Use the submission button to get your team signed up! After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation email.
Download the Day of Action Toolkit
Planning a group volunteer team? Download the Day of Action toolkit for printable posters, social media tools to help you spread the word, and volunteer signup sheets. If you use your own signup sheet, sign up your team on Bonfire or send a copy to United Way (email molly@uwlakes.org) prior to June 21st.
Day of Action in the news:
United Way Seeks Project Nominations for Calumet Day of Action
A Day That Delivers: Calumet to Host United Way’s 2026 Day of Action
Cohasset Announced as 2025 United Way Day of Action Host
Volunteers freshen up almost two dozen homes and businesses in Keewatin during Day of Action by WDIO
United Way seeks volunteers for Days of Action in June by KAXE
Marble Announced as 2024 United Way Day of Action Host
United Way Invites Volunteers to Take Action in Bovey
United Way’s Day of Action Brings Over 100 Volunteers to Support Deer River
United Way Seeks Day of Action Volunteers
Deer River Selected as Day of Action Site
Day of Action Volunteers Build Community
United Way Selects Day of Action Site
Do you—or someone you know—need a little extra help outdoors this summer?
United Way’s Day of Action offers free volunteer support for Calumet homeowners and small businesses. From light repairs and yardwork to exterior touch-ups and beautification, we’re looking for meaningful projects that help people live and work more safely and comfortably.
Examples of eligible projects include:
- Painting or minor exterior repairs
- Entryway and ramp improvements
- Landscaping or yard cleanup
- Small business storefront enhancement
Projects will take place on Wednesday, June 17, as part of a community-wide volunteer effort to improve spaces across the region.
To nominate someone or request help, complete a short survey (click button below) or call 218-999-7570.
Sponsor Day of Action
United Way Day of Action is held annually nationwide and promotes volunteerism. The day-long effort mobilizes community members to take action in the communities in which they live. Projects range from gardening and painting to donating blood and creating care packages.
The event draws 100+ community members annually. Since its inception in 2013, the Day of Action has been a crucial part of Itasca County’s volunteer-driven efforts, with 1,155 volunteers contributing over 6,807 hours of service. This volunteerism has resulted in an estimated value of $173,680 to the community, according to the Independent Sector’s annual volunteer hour rate.
Bronze – Project Sponsor ($500): As a Bronze Project Sponsor, you will support a specific Day of Action project and receive recognition through on-site project signage, logo placement on volunteer t-shirts (supporting sponsor tier), acknowledgment in event materials, and recognition on United Way’s website and social media platforms.
Silver – Volunteer Experience Sponsor ($1,000): As a Volunteer Experience Sponsor, you will help underwrite volunteer coordination and event hospitality, including light snacks, refreshments, and lunch for participants. You will receive enhanced recognition in print and digital marketing materials, logo placement on volunteer t-shirts (mid-tier placement), signage at volunteer check-in, and acknowledgment across United Way’s social media channels. As part of this sponsorship, you may also have the opportunity to provide brief remarks during the volunteer lunch gathering, helping to connect your organization’s commitment to the community with the day’s impact.
Platinum – Community Impact Sponsor ($2,500) (Exclusive Level): As a Community Impact Sponsor, you will be recognized as a leading supporter of Day of Action projects across the community. Your organization will receive prominent recognition in event marketing, including priority logo placement on volunteer t-shirts (upper-tier placement), signage at multiple project locations, recognition in media communications, and featured acknowledgment on United Way’s website and social media.
As an exclusive-level sponsor, United Way will provide a heightened level of planning support to curate a meaningful team-building experience aligned with your organization’s goals. You will have first option to select from available project sites and collaborate with United Way to design a volunteer experience that strengthens team engagement while delivering measurable community impact.
Diamond – Presenting Sponsor ($5,000) (Sole Sponsor): As the sole Presenting Sponsor of Day of Action, you will receive top-tier recognition in all print and digital marketing materials, including premier (largest and most prominent) logo placement on volunteer t-shirts, recognition in media releases, homepage website placement, and the opportunity to provide brief welcome remarks at the volunteer kickoff.
In addition, United Way will work directly with your leadership team to curate a signature volunteer experience for your employees, offering first-priority project selection and enhanced coordination. This may include participation in high-visibility community initiatives such as Born Learning Trails — a series of 10 interactive signs (with logo placement) that offer fun, active learning activities for young children and their families, creating meaningful engagement opportunities in community parks and playgrounds.
If you’re interested in sponsoring Day of Action or another event, email kimberly@uwlakes.org or call United Way at 218-999-7570.
2026 Sponsors
Bronze: Project Sponsors
Minnesota Power
Minnesota Power, a division of ALLETE, Inc., is committed to the reliability and security of the regional power system that provides electricity in a 26,000-square-mile electric service area in northeastern Minnesota. Minnesota Power supplies retail electric service to 150,000 customers and wholesale electric service to 14 municipalities.
Paul Bunyan Communications
Paul Bunyan Communications has the region’s largest and fastest all fiber optic network with over 5,500 square miles throughout most of Beltrami County and portions of Cass, Hubbard, Itasca, Koochiching, and St. Louis Counties. The Cooperative provides Broadband High-Speed Internet Service up to a Gigabit per second, digital and high-definition television services, digital voice services, and more. PBC is also Northern Minnesota’s Certified Apple Repair Center.
Silver: Volunteer Experience Sponsors
Calumet Reclamation Company
Calumet Reclamation Company (CRC), a subsidiary of Scranton Holding Company in Hibbing, Minnesota, was established to transform mining’s legacy into long-term opportunity. Having acquired legacy ore stockpiles and tailings basins from the historic Hill Annex Complex and Arcturus Mine, CRC focuses on responsible land use and reclamation that supports both industry and community. With deep Iron Range roots, their team understands mining’s importance to regional prosperity and is committed to managing resources responsibly for future generations.
Edward Jones
Edward Jones is a financial services firm built on personal relationships and long-term planning. Locally, a team of Financial Advisors serve the Grand Rapids community, helping clients prepare for retirement, save for education, and invest wisely. The firm believes your financial goals deserve the attention of a trusted, face-to-face advisor.
North Country Construction & Property Services
North Country Construction & Property Services is a locally focused company providing a wide range of residential and commercial construction services, from new home and commercial building projects to remodels, garages, painting, landscaping, and more. Known for strong communication and quality workmanship, their team is committed to delivering results clients can be proud of. Licensed and insured, North Country Construction & Property Services brings a practical, customer-centered approach to every project.
