United Way Hands On and Enterprise team up on MLK Day to create a coffee shop at McCoy Center

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MLK Hands ON 2 United Way Hands On and Enterprise team up on MLK Day to create a coffee shop at McCoy Center
Volunteer applying paint at the new coffee shop at the McCoy Center in West End Birmingham. Photo by Lexie Dillard for Bham Now

Did you know studies show, drinking coffee can help delay the onset of dementia and soothe people with addiction issues?

MLK Day of Service United Way Hands On and Enterprise team up on MLK Day to create a coffee shop at McCoy Center
Volunteer applying paint at the new coffee shop at the McCoy Center in West End Birmingham. Photo by Lexie Dillard for Bham Now

These are just two of the reasons why  United Way Hands On and Enterprise Holdings, the vehicle rental company, teamed up on MLK Day, to create a Coffee Shop at the McCoy Adult  Daycare Center, which serves seniors and Piper Place, the Mental Health Association of Central Alabama.

MLK Day of Service

Located near Legion Field and across from Birmingham-Southern College, at 730 8th Ave W #102, Birmingham, AL 35204, volunteers  spent 3-5 on   MLK Day transforming a space.

The Benefits of Coffee

Screen Shot 2019 03 23 at 7.43.45 AM United Way Hands On and Enterprise team up on MLK Day to create a coffee shop at McCoy Center
United Way Hands On Director Benga Harrison. Photo from Hands On Birmingham

“One thing we learned through talking with the experts here, is that coffee helps people who have been dealing with addiction,” said Benga Harrison, Director of United Way Hands On.  “It makes it easier for them to get past certain things.  They really do need a place where they can sit and drink coffee, have fellowship together. It helps them mentally all the way around.”

Made Possible by Enterprise

MLK Coffee Shop 1 United Way Hands On and Enterprise team up on MLK Day to create a coffee shop at McCoy Center
Enterprise Holding volunteers applying paint at the new coffee shop in the McCoy Center in West End Birmingham. Photo by Lexie Dillard for Bham Now

The new coffee shop was made possible by Enterprise Holdings, which  provided volunteers, paint, new coffee pots and coffee makers, furniture and signage, according to Harrison.

“We are so grateful for our community partners. We’ve got a lot community with a big heart,” she added.

Additional MLK Service Days Events

IMG 9626 e1563400483170 United Way Hands On and Enterprise team up on MLK Day to create a coffee shop at McCoy Center
United Way Hands On Volunteers working on a project in the Roebuck neighborhood in Birmingham. Photo courtesy of the United Way of Central Alabama

Even though the MLK Day of Service officially ended on the holiday, United Way Hands On has two additional MLK volunteer opportunities in the 5 Points West  community (Wednesday, January 23) and at Charles A. Brown Elementary School (Thursday, January 24)

As of Tuesday morning, both communities still need dozens volunteers for their beautification projects. You can sign-up and volunteer at United Way Hands – On  – HERE.

Pat Byington
Pat Byington

Longtime conservationist. Former Executive Director at the Alabama Environmental Council and Wild South. Publisher of the Bama Environmental News for more than 18 years. Career highlights include playing an active role in the creation of Alabama's Forever Wild program, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Dugger Mountain Wilderness, preservation of special places throughout the East through the Wilderness Society and the strengthening (making more stringent) the state of Alabama's cancer risk and mercury standards.

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