Big Day of Service 2026: How to Get Involved in Fair Oaks, Orangevale & Citrus Heights
There is something that happens when a community decides to show up for itself. The parks look a little brighter. The schools feel a little more loved. And the people doing the work? They leave differently than they arrived.
That is exactly what the Big Day of Service is all about.
On Saturday, May 16, 2026, Fair Oaks, Orangevale, and Citrus Heights will come together for one of the most meaningful days on our community calendar. Grab a friend. Bring your family. Come with your neighborhood group, your church, your office, and let’s make this place even more beautiful than it already is.
What Is the Big Day of Service?
The Big Day of Service is an annual, one-day community volunteer event organized through the Orangevale-Fair Oaks Community Foundation. It brings together hundreds of volunteers across 60 to 70 projects throughout our three communities, all happening on the same day, at the same time, with the same heart behind them.
This year’s theme says it simply and perfectly: commUNITY + service.
That word — commUNITY — gets me every time. Because that is exactly what Fair Oaks has always been. And events like this are how we keep it that way.
How the Day Unfolds
The day kicks off at Bella Vista High School (8301 Madison Ave, Fair Oaks), and here is the full schedule:
- 7:30 AM — Volunteer check-in begins; pick up your T-shirt
- 7:30–8:30 AM — BDOS Breakfast and Community Vendor Fair
- 8:30–9:30 AM — Big Day of Service Kick-Off Rally at Bella Vista High School
- 10:00 AM — Projects launch at 70+ locations across Fair Oaks, Orangevale, and Citrus Heights
- 2:00 PM — Projects wrap up (snacks provided by your project team!)
What Kind of Projects Are We Talking About?
There is genuinely something for everyone. Here is a sample of what is on the 2026 project list:
- Spreading bark at local parks in Orangevale, Fair Oaks, and Citrus Heights
- Painting spaces at local schools
- Garden clean-up projects
- Playing board games with senior citizens
- Making birthday bags and cards for kids in need
- Crafting floral arrangements for seniors
- Kindness rock painting at Pecan Park
- Helping with a grocery store food drive
Whether you want to get your hands dirty outdoors or sit across from a senior citizen and make them feel seen, there is a project with your name on it.
Browse all 2026 projects here →
Volunteer registration is open now, so do not wait to sign up.
Want to Do More Than Volunteer?
The Big Day of Service runs because people step up in more ways than one. Here are a few other ways to get involved:
Become a Project Leader — Lead a team at one of the 70+ project sites. You will be supported, and you will make a real difference. Learn more about becoming a leader →
Become a Sponsor — Local businesses and organizations can sponsor the event and get visibility in front of thousands of engaged community members. See sponsorship opportunities →
Suggest a Project — Do you know a location, school, or organization that could use some love? Submit your idea. Suggest a project →
Why This Matters to Me
I have watched this community come together in big ways and small, and I can tell you, the days that stick with you are the days when people show up not for themselves but for each other.
The Big Day of Service is one of those days.
If you have been looking for a way to plug in, to feel more connected to the place you call home, or to do something meaningful with a Saturday morning, this is it. And if you have kids or grandkids who need to see what it looks like when a community takes care of itself, bring them too. These are the memories that last.
Sign up to volunteer at bigdayofservice.us →
I will see you out there on May 16th.
Have questions about the event? Reach out to the Big Day of Service team directly at info@bigdayofservice.us or follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
