TekLinks, a Birmingham-based IT solutions provider, and Oxmoor Valley Elementary kicked off their United Way-initiated partnership with a Back to School Rally Aug. 2. Hundreds of parents and students were on hand to enjoy the food, fellowship and fun sponsored by the IT solutions provider.
TekLinks volunteers passed out backpacks, helped with online registration and assisted with the United Way Safe Routes Bicycle Rodeo, a hands-on event where students learned bike skills and safety. Volunteers also mingled with students, parents as well as faculty and staff. “TekLinks is blessed to be a part of Oxmoor Valley,” said Jim Akerhielm, CEO of TekLinks.
The goal of the partnership is to engage with Oxmoor Valley and help the students achieve success at a higher level, and the rally was a step in that direction. “There’s staff and faculty who are the experts,” said Akerhielm. “This is what they do for their life’s work, and we just want to help them in any way we can to make that experience better for the students.”
TekLinks donated 250 backpacks for students of all grade levels. The backpacks were filled with notebook paper, folders, writing utensils and other grade-level appropriate supplies. “We’re just so happy to have TekLinks as a partner for this 2016-2017 school year,” said Melvin Love, Oxmoor Valley Elementary principal. “It takes a village with many hands involved.”
TekLinks and Akerhielm are no strangers to United Way and the community, but digging a little deeper and reaching back is in the DNA of TekLinks. “Part of who we are is serving the community,” he said.
United Way of Central Alabama Inc., supports health and human service programs and agencies that provide solutions for the most important needs in the community. Its business is to improve lives and community conditions by building and mobilizing resources. To learn more about United Way’s impact in your community visit www.uwca.org.
