Monadnock United Way Launches Youth Day of Caring, Engaging Students in a Month of Service
Keene, NH – Monadnock United Way (MUW) Launches Youth Day of Caring, a region-wide initiative engaging students in meaningful volunteer projects throughout April 2026.
The program will take place across five Monadnock Region Afterschool Collective (MRAC) sites: ACCESS Winchester, Keene Family Y and the Monadnock Youth Coalition, Hillsborough Kid Adventures, and Beyond the Bell. MRAC is an MUW funded collaborative that includes ACCESS Winchester, Hinsdale Afterschool Program, Keene Family Y’s School’s Out program, Project Keep in Keene, Hillsboro-Deering Afterschool Program, and Beyond the Bell in Swanzey, Troy, and Fitzwilliam. During the month of April, students in local afterschool programs will design and carry out youth-led service projects that support their schools, neighborhoods, and local nonprofits.
April is nationally recognized as Volunteer Appreciation Month, making it the perfect time to introduce young people to the power of service, teamwork, and community impact. Each participating program will plan and complete a project that reflects the needs of its community and the interests of its students. Projects may focus on environmental stewardship, kindness initiatives, connection, or support for local organizations.
“Service is one of the most powerful ways young people learn that they can make a difference,” said Liz LaRose, President of Monadnock United Way. “This initiative gives students the opportunity to identify real needs in their communities and work together to address them. We’re excited to see their ideas come to life.”
Projects will take place at a time that works best for each site, allowing programs to integrate service naturally into their existing afterschool schedules. The initiative is designed to be flexible and accessible, ensuring programs of all sizes can participate.
Following the completion of the Youth Day of Caring, Monadnock United Way and lead sponsor NBT Bank, will host a celebration event in May 2026 to recognize participating students and programs. Student representatives will be invited to share highlights from their projects, and certificates will be presented in recognition of their leadership and commitment to community service.
The Youth Day of Caring is made possible through the generous support of NBT Bank, the program’s lead sponsor.
“NBT Bank is proud to support opportunities that inspire young people to give back and strengthen the communities where we live and work,” said Jessica Wisell of NBT Bank. “Programs like Youth Day of Caring help cultivate the next generation of community leaders.”
Partners interested in participating or learning more can contact:
Katie Gardella, Director of Resource Development
Monadnock United Way
katie@muw.org
About Monadnock United Way
Monadnock United Way has harnessed the caring power of community to improve lives throughout our Region since 1952, bringing together people from all sectors of the Monadnock Region to address the most challenging issues we face. We believe that by working together, we can strengthen all the communities in our region. Our vision is A United community where all are cared for and thriving.
About NBT Bank
NBT Bank offers Personal Banking, Commercial & Business Banking, and Wealth Management solutions from locations in seven states, including New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Connecticut. The bank and its parent company, NBT Bancorp Inc., are headquartered in Norwich, New York. NBT Bancorp had assets of $16 billion as of December 31, 2025 and is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol NBTB. More information about NBT Bank is available at www.nbtbank.com. Member FDIC.