United Way Hands On, formerly Hands On Birmingham, the volunteer center for United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA), is dedicated to providing people from all walks of life the chance to get involved and give back to our community by offering diverse and flexible volunteer opportunities that fit even the busiest of schedules. We’re always working to attract and engage even more volunteers, so we’ve combined our newsletter with UWCA’s. This way, our volunteers and many more prospects will receive news on upcoming opportunities delivered straight to their inboxes. We’re also redesigning our website, making it easier than ever to find the volunteer experiences that matter most to you. UWCA’s new online volunteer platform called “INVOLVE” connects volunteers with service opportunities, all thoroughly vetted and held to Hands On high standards, from groups and organizations throughout the community. Check it out here!
IGNITE Volunteer Awards
Too often, the efforts of our community’s everyday heroes – the passionate volunteers who work tirelessly to advance the community and improve the lives of others – go unrecognized. But Hands On Birmingham is actively changing that with the IGNITE Volunteer Awards Celebration. The annual event, now in its third year, was held on April 9th and honored nearly 50 volunteers selected from nominations at large. You can read more about it here.
Save The Dates!
United Way Day of Action: June 17th and June 21st
Each June, tens of thousands of people around the world join their local United Way’s fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in their communities. United Way of Central Alabama is proud to promote and organize these special events focused on volunteerism, and invites everyone from students and senior citizens to employees from local companies to come together to participate in a wide range of fulfilling projects. You can register for projects on INVOLVE now!
Backpack Drive: July 1st to August 1st
It doesn’t take a calculator to see how quickly the cost of school supplies adds up. United Way of Central Alabama’s Backpack Drive aims to set students up for success by providing those in need with backpacks full of school supplies. Want to play a part in furthering a child’s education? You can buy a backpack and find lists of most-needed supplies at stores, such as Walmart, Target and Office Depot; or click here for lists and details.
Back to School Beautification: August 3rd
School may have just let out, but we’re already thinking about going back! Every summer, Hands On partners with Birmingham City Schools for Back-to-School Beautification, a day of service when volunteers landscape and spruce up the areas around Birmingham’s schools so they’re in tip-top shape to welcome students back in the fall. Project sites and registration will be open soon!
Project Coordinators Needed!
Love to volunteer? Want to get more involved? Become an project coordinator (PC)! Project coordinators have a wide range of responsibilities, including helping lead projects, serving as the liaison between Hands On and volunteers, promoting safety and ensuring a great overall volunteer experience. If you’re interested in more information on becoming a PC, contact Tawanna Willoughby at twilloughby@uwca.org