Volunteers fan out to serve the county
By DONNA THORNTON, Editor
Green-shirted volunteers came out in force Tuesday, as the United Way of Marshall County’s Day of Caring took teams to UW agencies across the county for projects ranging from clean up and construction-related work to spending time with local seniors.
To start the day, there was breakfast at the Boaz Recreation Center and an announcement of the goal for this year’s campaign, with a welcome from United Way Board President Sara Watkins.
Campaign Chairman Cade Smith announced the goal — the highest ever set for Marshall County — of $775,000.
The county’s pacesetters, some 20 companies and organizations that stepped up to lead this year’s fundraising have already collected pledges totaling $405,375. That makes up 52% of the goal for the year. Smith said 12 of those companies had 100% employee participation.
This was UW’s 29th Day of Caring, and more than 300 volunteers worked on 50 service projects, providing vital services and supplies.
Employees at 28 local businesses and organizations hosted a Casual Day, with employees wearing green UW shirts to show their support.
“Before me is a group of community leaders, dedicated volunteers, generous donors and passionate advocates, all united by one shared belief: That together, we can make positive, impactful change within our community,” Smith said at the kickoff. Smith thanked BPI Media for supplying printed materials for the drive, the campaign cabinet and the loaned executives who’ve been working already in the drive.
United Way Executive Director Erica Martin said the Day of Caring gave volunteers an opportunity to “give hope where there is uncertainty, to lend a hand where there is hardship, and to remind our neighbors that they do not have to face life’s challenges alone.
“We come together with one purpose today — to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need us most,” Martin said.
Guest speakers Mary Bailey and Glenda Tallent-Smith spoke about the work of Domestic Violence Crisis Services and Kelly’s Rainbow Domestic Violence Shelter, illustrating the difficulties faced by domestic violence victims, and the steps the shelter and the agency take to provide shelter and support toward reestablishing their lives.
The UW drive will continue, with appeals to local businesses and organizations for their participation.
Those interested in contributing may contact United Way for information about how groups and individuals can be a part of the drive if their workplace does not participate.
Marshall County United Way’s Day of Caring brought together volunteers from across the county to do service projects at United Way agencies. The day kicked off with breakfast at the Boaz Recreation Center where the goal for this year’s campaign — $775,000 — was revealed. It’s the highest goal set for United Way in Marshall County. DONNA THORNTON L The Leader
