Painting, yardwork, sorting and organizing are just a few of the tasks volunteers will tackle during this year’s Day of Caring.

Organized annually by the United Way of Forsyth County, the event will be Friday at the Lanier Technical College Forsyth Conference Center.

This will be the first year at the center, which United Way employee Leigh Crow said provides more room than previous sites.

"We already have about 520 people registered to volunteer," she said. "This is our biggest year yet. Last year we had 490."

The day will begin with breakfast at 7:30 a.m.

The event also serves as the kickoff for the United Way’s annual fundraising campaign. That program will begin at 8 a.m.

Afterward, photos of each volunteer team will be taken and groups will then head out into the community.

Crow said 30 Forsyth area nonprofits registered to receive help from volunteers, who will work on many different projects.

Some of those include sorting items in food pantries and thrift stores, playing bingo with seniors and reading to children.

Crow said some of the beneficiaries include The Place of Forsyth, Focus on Forsyth, Jesse’s House and Bald Ridge Lodge.

She said there are several new volunteer groups, as well as many who return each year. The groups come primarily from local businesses, civic clubs and other organizations.

While just a few spots remain for those wanting to volunteer, anyone can attend the breakfast, which costs $10.

"It’s a big, fun event," she said. "People are really pushing volunteerism right now especially with the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11."