Walker County business and community leaders last week kicked off their 2024 United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) campaign alongside United Way staff who also announced this year’s recipients of grants to various nonprofits in Walker County. The countywide fundraising goal is $1,030,700.
During the event, Chad Hayes, Chair of Walker County’s United Way Campaign, thanked the people present for the support they have already shown for this year’s drive. “I want to say thank you for all that every one of you in this room has done,” said Hayes, who is also an Alfa Insurance agent and a former minister. “Every one of you in this room is invested in Walker County and United Way, and I can’t thank you enough for what you do and the time you put in. All of it is worthwhile.”
The event was hosted at the Memorial Park Natatorium in Jasper, where 11 nonprofit agencies were also announced as recipients of $25,000 grants through UWCA’s Community Project Grant program. While funded by United Way, each of the agencies was selected by Walker County residents serving on the United Way County Advisory Board (CAB).
The funding will go specifically toward community-based programs aimed at improving people’s lives in Walker County. These include facility improvements at community organizations as well as specific initiatives, such as a fitness and dance program for residents with special needs.
The organizations that were awarded grants are listed below.
- Backyard Blessings
- Boldo Community Christian Church
- Chamber of Commerce of Walker County
- dreamFit Alabama
- Edgil Grove Baptist Church
- Jasper Area Family Services Center
- Jasper Elks Lodge 2571
- Kiwanis Club of Jasper
- Pregnancy Test and Resource Center
- Town of Parrish
- Walker County Amateur Radio Service
The grants must be used to fund direct costs related to the execution of programs meeting community needs or for one-time expenses that will positively impact the residents of the county.
Drew Langloh, CEO of UWCA, said it’s important that people take ownership of their United Way. “The point of United Way is all of us saying, ‘We’re going to put our shoulders together, raise money together and we, as a community, are going to make sure it goes to the right places, to help people that need it the most,’” Langloh said.
The theme of this year’s United Way campaign ‑‑ “Be Somebody” ‑‑ calls on anyone and everyone to be that person ‑‑ that Somebody — who’s willing to step up and help others in need. This year’s fundraising goal for UWCA’s six-county service area, including Walker County, is $37.5 million. For more information about this year’s campaign, visit https://www.uwca.org/annual-campaign-be-somebody.
