As we step into the new year, United Way Hands On remains dedicated to creating meaningful volunteer opportunities that empower individuals to give back, spread joy and make a lasting impact in our community. From celebrating the holiday season to enhancing public spaces, Hands On offers many ways to get involved. Here’s a glimpse at some recent volunteer initiatives, along with an exciting update on the Centennial Park project in St. Clair County.
Publix Holiday Toy Drive
The holiday season is a time of giving, and in December of 2024, United Way Hands On partnered with Publix to spread holiday cheer across Central Alabama. More than 100 volunteers helped deliver toys to 25 local partner agencies, while others contributed by donating new, unwrapped toys at Publix stores or through an Amazon Wishlist. In total, 20,000 toys were donated, brightening the season for families in need and bringing smiles to children throughout the region.



MLK Day of Service

For more than 20 years, United Way Hands On has honored Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy through organized volunteer projects on this National Day of Service. January 20, 2025 marked another impactful day of volunteerism. More than 150 volunteers came together to lend a hand at local sites, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center and the Jones Valley Teaching Farm at Hayes K-8 school. Tasks ranged from roof repairs on a pavilion to landscaping and general cleanup. Volunteers also had the opportunity to assist the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, gaining a deeper connection to the history and ongoing work of the Civil Rights Movement.
Rachael Upton, Director of Volunteer Engagement at Hands On, reflected on the significance of the day. “One of my favorite quotes from Dr. King is, ‘Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.’ Being able to provide hands-on service oppor
Centennial Park Project: Building Community in St. Clair County
In celebration of United Way of Central Alabama’s100th anniversary, Hands On is proud to announce the creation of a Centennial Park in Ragland in St. Clair County. This park will be the fourth of a series of parks developed in partnership with local communities, following successful projects in Jefferson, Shelby and Walker counties.
Scheduled to open in March, the park will feature a variety of recreational amenities, including an outdoor classroom pavilion as well as basketball and pickleball courts. It promises to be a vibrant space where residents can connect, engage in physical activity and enjoy the outdoors.
The park’s construction will be largely driven by volunteer efforts, and Hands On is seeking both corporate and community partners to fund and support the project. Volunteers will play a vital role in building and assembling key park features, creating a space that will serve as a hub for community engagement and outdoor recreation.
As Upton said, “Central Alabama wouldn’t be the wonderful place it is without its people. We are all part of a big family, and it’s our collective responsibility to take care of one another and our surroundings. Together, we can create spaces that bring people together and uplift the entire community.”
If you’re interested in contributing to, or volunteering for, the St. Clair Centennial Park project, click here for more information.
Get Involved
These are just a few of the impactful ways United Way Hands On made a difference in 2024. And there are even more opportunities ahead in 2025, including an upcoming Period Supply Drive in March. Whether through organizing events, supporting local projects or lending a hand to those in need, there are countless ways to give back and help strengthen our community.
Ready to get started? Check out current volunteer opportunities with United Way Hands On.