LEWISTON, Idaho — The Lewiston Idaho Gives Committee and Twin County United Way are joining forces to launch the 2026 giving season with a community-wide Day of Caring on Friday, May 1, connecting hundreds of volunteers with local nonprofits and organizations across Nez Perce County in a single high-impact morning of service.
The event, running from 8:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., will bring together more than 300 volunteers at the Lewiston Community Center before teams fan out across the city to complete hands-on projects at nonprofits and partner organizations. Tasks will include yard work, painting, sorting and cleaning, and building improvements — work that many nonprofits struggle to complete with limited staffing and resources.
Volunteers, Nonprofits Come Together for Hands-On Service
Twin County United Way CEO Kristin Kemak said the Day of Caring reflects the kind of neighbor-to-neighbor commitment that makes Lewiston’s nonprofit sector function. “Day of Caring is about showing up for the organizations that show up for us,” Kemak said. “When volunteers roll up their sleeves, real needs get met and our community gets stronger.”
The projects identified for May 1 represent real, unmet needs at organizations that serve Lewiston residents year-round — from social services providers to community support organizations. By mobilizing more than 300 volunteers in a coordinated effort, Twin County United Way and the Lewiston Idaho Gives Committee aim to deliver meaningful, measurable results for participating nonprofits in a single morning.
Community members and organizations interested in participating can register volunteer teams through Twin County United Way’s website at tcuw.org. Slots are filled on a team basis, allowing businesses, churches, civic groups, and families to sign up and serve together.
Events like the Day of Caring reflect the kind of community-driven, private initiative that stretches limited nonprofit dollars without placing additional burdens on local government budgets. Volunteer labor allows organizations to direct more of their funding toward direct services rather than facility maintenance or administrative overhead.
Day of Caring Launches Lewiston’s Push for Idaho Gives, May 4–7
The May 1 volunteer event is designed to serve as a launchpad for Lewiston’s participation in Idaho Gives, the statewide online charitable giving campaign scheduled to run May 4 through May 7 at IdahoGives.org. The campaign connects donors across Idaho with vetted nonprofits and encourages residents to support the organizations serving their communities.
Nikki Johnston of the Lewiston Idaho Gives Committee said the sequencing is intentional — giving time first, then dollars. “This is the perfect kick-off: we give our time first, then we keep that generosity going,” Johnston said. “When Idaho Gives, Lewiston thrives, and it starts with people who care.”
Idaho Gives is a well-established annual event that has helped nonprofits across the state raise significant funds through online donations pooled over a concentrated giving window. For Lewiston-area nonprofits, participation in Idaho Gives offers exposure to donors both locally and statewide, broadening the potential base of support for organizations that may have limited marketing resources.
Residents looking to participate in Idaho Gives can visit IdahoGives.org during the May 4–7 window to browse participating nonprofits and make direct donations to causes serving Lewiston, Nez Perce County, and communities across Idaho.
For those looking for additional ways to engage with their community this spring, Easter 2026 family events and celebrations are also taking place across Nez Perce County, providing further opportunities for residents to connect with neighbors and local organizations.
What Comes Next
The Twin County United Way Day of Caring is scheduled for Friday, May 1, from 8:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., beginning at the Lewiston Community Center. Volunteer team registration is open at tcuw.org. The Idaho Gives online giving campaign follows May 4 through May 7 at IdahoGives.org. Residents are encouraged to sign up to volunteer, identify a nonprofit to support during the giving campaign, or spread the word to neighbors, coworkers, and local businesses. For statewide nonprofit and charitable giving news, visit Idaho News.