The United Way Day of Caring takes place on Friday, Sept. 18 in Maple Valley.

Organized locally by United Way of King County, the event makes it possible for people to volunteer in special work groups that visit local nonprofits like Lake Wilderness Arboretum, public schools and city parks for a day of service. Group leaders work with each organization on specific projects that volunteers accomplish by day’s end.

“The United Way Day of Caring is the largest volunteer event in Washington state,” garden manager Susan Goodell said. “It’s a great way to help out local non-profits and have fun, too.”

Last year, 50 volunteers from Microsoft worked to gravel paths, weed and clean brush from the Smith Mossman Western Azalea Garden in addition to other garden and forest projects led by Goodell volunteers, staff and board members.

In 2014, more than 11,000 people tackled 553 projects around King County, valued at $1.5 million in volunteer time.

To learn more about the day of caring or to register a volunteer group, visit http://www.uwkc.org/ways-to-volunteer/day-of-caring/.

Visit LakeWildernessArboretum.org or call 253-293-5103 to volunteer, donate or become a member.