DISTRICT DAY OF CARING 2026
Serving Our Seniors, Strengthening Our Community
300 Volunteers. One Community. Countless Acts of Care.
This year, over 300 Baldwin-Whitehall administrators, faculty, staff, and students volunteered to help senior residents in our community with projects at their homes and living facilities. From yard work, garden prep, and pressure washing to technology help, smoke detector installation, and even carpet removal— we do it all!
“ My favorite part, aside from knowing we helped a Whitehall community member in need, was the opportunity to get to know her even before the work began. I met with her to go over what needed to be completed, and it was wonderful hearing about her life and having a chance to connect with her. On the actual Day of Caring, it was amazing to see so many people come together with such kindness, generosity, and teamwork. She was genuinely touched and extremely appreciative of everything our volunteers did.”
— Natalie Rusnica, ESL Teacher at Whitehall Elementary School
Marissa Gallagher( right) and team assist residents Robert and Susanne Schmalz
Natalie Rusnica, Janeen Peretin, and team with resident Pat Knezevich
“ One of the best parts is the opportunity to truly connect with our neighbors and community members in meaningful ways. Spending time together, hearing stories, lending a hand, and simply showing up for one another is a powerful reminder that real care and connection is what makes the world go round. These moments matter. They strengthen relationships, build empathy, and remind us that community is not just where we live, it’ s how we care for each other.”
— Marissa Gallagher, Director of Student Services
WHEN:
Friday, May 1
WHO:
Over 300 BWSD volunteers
WHAT:
Over 50 household projects
WHERE:
More than 40 locations
Natalie Rusnica( right) and team clean windows at the home of resident Pat Knezevich aldwin-Whitehall BALDWIN-WHITEHALL SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
“ Many of the neighbors we visited have deep ties to our schools. There is something so meaningful about being welcomed by those who helped shape who we are today, and who now carry the perspective and privilege of growing older in a community they love. This event is one small way that we can say‘ thank you’ to these folks who continue to support our public schools through local dollars.”
— Dr. Janeen Peretin, Assistant to the Superintendent
“ This year, I worked alongside Ms. Tromans and Ms. Antoline to hang a couple dozen picture frames for a resident who lives near Lutz Elementary School. The resident we assisted couldn’ t have been a better host— she wouldn’ t let us leave without sending us home with some homemade apple butter— and I even discovered she is good friends with some of my relatives. That’ s something I never would have known without the conversations we shared.”
— Mike Venesky, BWSD Accountant
BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN-WHITEHALL ❘ SUMMER 2026 43