FLINT, Michigan — The Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD) will host its 8th Annual Day of Giving on Friday, June 6, uniting staff and community partners in a countywide effort to offer direct support and services to those in need.
The Day of Giving is a one-day service event where GISD staff step away from their regular job roles to volunteer in the community. The goal is to provide hands-on help, meet basic needs, and strengthen relationships across Genesee County.
Each year, GISD employees take part in volunteer efforts throughout the county, delivering supplies, offering donations, and completing service projects. On this day, staff members wear orange shirts and visit schools, nonprofits, public spaces, and neighborhoods to give back.
Superintendent Dr. Steven Tunnicliff emphasized the enduring vision behind the Day of Giving, stating that the goal has always been to create a ripple effect of positivity across the community.
“The growth of the Day of Giving is truly evidence of collective impact. What began as an opportunity to create thousands of intentional acts of kindness across our community on this special day has become part of our organizational culture,” said Tunnicliff. “Not only have we continued the formal Day of Giving, but we have expanded to various opportunities where staff can volunteer their time to have a positive impact on our community.”
This year’s projects will focus on basic needs. Staff will give out gas and grocery gift cards, comfort items for people with serious illnesses, and goody bags with hygiene supplies for people who can’t afford them. Other plans include delivering meals to essential workers, contributing supplies to nonprofits, and doing cleanup or beautification work in public areas.
A few new service hubs will be set up this year to make volunteering easier and more visible. At these sites, GISD staff and volunteers will sort donations, pack care kits, and complete projects on-site.
In the past, Day of Giving activities included classroom supply drives, food bank deliveries, and literacy events. The day reflects GISD’s broader efforts around equity, student well-being, and community involvement.
“The hope is that we all recognize how interconnected we all are as a community,” Tunnicliff added. “When we support one another, we all benefit as an entire community. We are truly better together.”
The Day of Giving comes at a time when many families in Genesee County continue to face financial hardship. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Flint — GISD’s largest service area — has a poverty rate over 20%. That makes community service efforts like this especially important. In 2024, more than 400 GISD employees took part in over 40 service projects. That number is expected to increase this year.
Tunnicliff added that the event is fully supported by private funding and staff donations. “All of the funding for the Day of Giving is provided by individual staff contributions and private funding from partners. I would like to especially recognize and thank Genesee Education Consultant Services, Inc. (GECS), which has partnered with GISD on the Day of Giving since its inception.”
The public can follow updates on GISD’s social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, and X) using the hashtag #GISDDayofGiving. Photos, updates, and volunteer highlights will be posted throughout the day. Community members are also invited to share their own stories online.
For more information about the Day of Giving or other GISD initiatives, visit: geneseeisd.org
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