Zachary Gentile and his wife, Dana, celebrate United Way’s Centennial in 2023.
Serving Others, Helping Neighbors
Community involvement has long shaped the way Zachary Gentile approaches both his professional life and service as a volunteer.
As Senior Vice President at Ford Meter Box and a dedicated volunteer with United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA), Zachary is passionate about creating pathways to stability for neighbors in need.
His involvement with UWCA began after attending a United Way presentation at Pell City Rotary.
Through United Way, he discovered volunteer opportunities, and his involvement continued to grow. Since 2021, Zachary has served on UWCA’s Board of Directors while supporting initiatives across St. Clair County and throughout Central Alabama.
Helping Change Lives for the Better
“There are so many people in need in our community that do not have a voice, a way out or [a way] up,” he said. “Time and time again, I see UWCA step in to serve our community in a meaningful way. I want to be a part of that.”
One area of the work that has been especially meaningful to Zachary is serving on the St. Clair County Advisory Board, where local leaders direct funding to small nonprofit organizations that operate here and address specific needs within the community.
“These smaller grants have a huge impact on the ability of these agencies to reach our population and enhance their lives,” Zachary said.
Community Partnerships Create Opportunity
Zachary has also seen firsthand how relationships built through UWCA can create lasting opportunities for individuals and organizations alike. One example came after UWCA presented funding to The WellHouse, an organization that supports women rescued from human trafficking. Connections formed through that experience later led Ford Meter Box to partner with The WellHouse and hire one of the women who had been served through the program.
Years later, he still reflects on the opportunity that connection created.
“She has health insurance, a great wage and contributes to the success of our organization,” Zachary said. “This connection and opportunity for this young lady were all made possible by the people UWCA brings together.”
For Zachary, volunteering with United Way brings a sense of purpose that extends far beyond day-to-day responsibilities.
“The work we do is critical for the health and well-being of all our citizens across the six-county area,” Zachary said. “There is never a shortage of people who need our help. And all of us who serve realize [that], one day, it may be us who needs a helping hand. I know when we have a success at United Way, we have made a difference in someone’s life.”
To learn more about how United Way support St. Clair County, click here.