KNOXVILLE, TN (SEPTEMBER 21, 2026) – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE United Way of Greater Knoxville (UWGK) is bringing together companies, volunteers, schools and non-profit partners for its annual Week of Caring, a community-wide effort focused on hands-on service projects across the region.
Week of Caring, Monday, Sept. 21, through Thursday, Sept. 24, gives corporate volunteer teams the opportunity to support local organizations and schools, by completing projects that address needs and have an immediate impact. Approximately 150 to 200 volunteers are expected to participate.
“I am deeply inspired and filled with gratitude to see so many in our community giving their time and talent during Week of Caring to help build a vision for what is possible,” said Chrystal Armstrong Brown, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Knoxville. “We are ecstatic to have the support of PYA, RTG, our corporate partners and our volunteers, all working together to make East Tennessee a better place for everyone.”
The majority of Week of Caring volunteer projects will take place Thursday, Sept. 24, from 9 a.m. to noon. In total, 16 projects will be held at local non-profit organizations and Community Schools, along with a kit-packing project where volunteers will assemble 350 kits onsite with a company partner. The kits will be distributed through Community Schools and multiple youth-serving nonprofit organizations.
Some projects include:
- YWCA of the Tennessee Valley & Knoxville: Volunteers will help set up a podcast studio and library.
- Knoxville Botanical Gardens & Arboretum: Volunteers will plant flowers and harvest sunflowers for educational programming.
- South Knoxville Elementary School: Volunteers will paint the nurse’s clinic and update its décor to create a more student-friendly space.
- Knox County Clothing and Resource Center & Knox County Teacher Supply Depot: Volunteers will organize resources and supplies.
- Beaumont Magnet Academy: Volunteers will complete school improvements, including painting handrails.
UWGK presents Week of Caring with the support of PYA Accountants and Advisors and Realty Trust Group as presenting sponsors; Erie Insurance as a supply drive sponsor; and Cakmes Dental Studio as a smile kit sponsor.
“We care deeply about the communities we serve,” said David McMillan, president of PYA and treasurer of the United Way of Greater Knoxville Board of Directors. “At PYA, relationships have always been central to our culture, and volunteering together is a meaningful way to put that principle into action. PYA and RTG recognize the value of working alongside others to support a stronger community. As Knoxville-rooted firms, we’re grateful to serve as the 2026 Week of Caring presenting sponsors and appreciate the United Way of Greater Knoxville for giving area companies like ours the opportunity to make a positive impact here at home.”
Community members interested in future volunteer events can learn more at https://uwgk.org/vol/.
About United Way of Greater Knoxville
United Way of Greater Knoxville (UWGK) unites people and resources to strengthen communities. As part of United Way Worldwide, the largest charitable organization in the world, UWGK is dedicated to creating a community where all neighbors can thrive. For more information, visit uwgk.org.
# # #
