For some students, such as Maxx from Magic City Acceptance Academy, volunteering is an activity that has become second nature. It’s done as a family project or through various organizations. But, for many youth, volunteering is uncharted territory. For them, there’s no better way to learn and appreciate the rewards of giving back than simply to jump right in.
Recently on a sunny day, Maxx and a group of 75 other students from Magic City Acceptance Academy joined the team from United Way Hands On, the volunteer center for United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA), for a day of service.
The day began with students splitting off into groups to tackle hands-on projects that included building picnic tables, preparing period supply kits and writing encouraging notes for the classrooms of pre-school children enrolled in United Way’s Success By 6 early learning initiative.
Armed with drills and a strong sense of purpose, the first group worked together to build three picnic tables. These tables will serve as a place for community members to gather and share meals at the Centennial Parks coming soon in Walker and St. Clair counties. (Development of these parks, as well as four more in Blount, Chilton, Jefferson and Shelby counties, was conceived by UWCA in connection with the organization’s 100th anniversary in 2023.)
Jordynn Wright, an adjunct teacher at the academy, explained that the school encourages students to complete 25 to 30 hours of volunteer work before graduation. This experience not only benefits the community but also provides students with valuable experience for college applications and future employment — especially those students looking to work immediately after high school.
