SALT LAKE CITY -- Thousands of Utahans took part in the United Way's Day of Caring on Thursday.
Over 100 service projects were performed throughout the Wasatch Front saving communities over $600,000 in labor costs.
One such service project took place at Salt Lake City’s Gateway Mall where thousands of backpacks were filled with donated school supplies that will be delivered to local students.
United Way’s Day of Caring is their flagship event. It started 20 years ago when United Way involved local businesses, who encouraged employees to take the day off from their usual grind and work on service projects.
Other service projects include beautifying parks, painting homes and volunteers working with students.
The United Way says volunteers who would like to donate can visit their website any time to sign up. Their site is at: http://www.unitedway.org/
