Reviewed by: Sharron Swain
United Way needs volunteers—3 ways you can make a difference now
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Volunteering is one of the best ways to invest in our community and make it a stronger, healthier place to live. Keep reading to learn three ways you can volunteer with United Way of Central Alabama to make meaningful change in our area.
Volunteering with United Way of Central Alabama
Do you want to plug in to your community? United Way of Central Alabama needs volunteers and makes it so easy to do so.
“We are always looking for volunteers, especially having gone through the pandemic and still being very much so in it. We’ve lost a lot of volunteers to cover daily door-to-door deliveries of hot meals out of the kitchen. We would love to connect people to these kinds of opportunities.”
Karla S. Lawrence, LPC, NBCC, Senior Vice President of Community Initiatives, United Way of Central Alabama
We’ve rounded up three of United Way’s volunteer opportunities where volunteers are currently needed the most. Don’t worry, there’s something for everyone.
Ready to get involved? Check out all of United Way of Central Alabama’s available volunteer opportunities and start making a difference today.
1. SHIP
What does SHIP do?
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a statewide service, locally administered by United Way’s Area Agency on Aging, that helps Medicare beneficiaries understand how their Medicare benefits work and how they can best take advantage of what they qualify for.
SHIP provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling to Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers.
How you can get involved
SHIP needs volunteers to help with a variety of tasks, including day-to-day administrative duties and counseling of Medicare beneficiaries. They are currently seeking volunteers to assist during Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15th-December 7th) and year-round.
Register TODAY to become a SHIP Volunteer and help individuals select the healthcare options that are best for them. Here’s what you can expect when you volunteer with SHIP:
- Free training—they’ll help you become a Medicare expert.
- Tap into your own skills and passion for helping others.
- Know that you’re making a difference in the community.
Register to volunteer or learn more on their website.
2. Meals on Wheels
What does Meals on Wheels do?
Meals on Wheels (MOW) is dedicated to improving the lives of homebound seniors and disabled individuals throughout Jefferson County by delivering meals and hope to those who are unable to fulfill their own nutritional needs. To those receiving meals, MOW represents daily nutrition and the ability to live independently at home.
How you can get involved
Meals on Wheels depends on volunteers who deliver lunchtime meals to homebound seniors. Meal delivery opportunities are Monday-Friday and with routes usually taking about an hour.
Meals on Wheels welcomes individuals and groups who want to join in making a difference across Jefferson County. There are so many ways you can help, no matter how much time you have:
- Meal Delivery (M-F during lunch)
- Meal Packer/Kitchen Aide (M-F, 8AM-noon)
- Pantry Packing (Stocking pantry at MOW kitchen)
- Food Pantry Delivery
MOW is currently in need of an ADDITIONAL 500 VOLUNTEERS as they’ve resumed daily delivery of hot meals.
3. Tax prep
What they do
United Way of Central Alabama provides tax services every year for individuals that quality.
Taxpayers who use their program save an estimated $200 in preparation fees per return. This is money that they can use for a car repair, to catch up on an unexpected bill or to stock their pantry with groceries. Thousands of individuals and families turn to United Way of Central Alabama each year seeking help filing their taxes.
How you can get involved
Volunteers are the key to “free” in United Way’s Free Tax Preparation program. Volunteers DO NOT need to have professional experience in accounting or finance to help.
If you are willing and able to learn and want to provide valuable assistance to your community, this could be a great opportunity for you! Volunteers can help through a variety of roles, including:
Sign up now to be invited to trainings in November and December. Questions? Email taxvol@uwca.org for more info.
Make an impact with United Way of Central Alabama
There are so many ways to get involved in your community and United Way is ready to find the opportunity for you.
Waneka Johnson, United Way of Central Alabama’s new Volunteer & Project Manager for Community Initiatives, will be the point of contact for all volunteer opportunities. She loves being a part of something bigger and helping others make a lasting difference in the lives of thousands of people by volunteering.
Her favorite quote to share with people about the importance of volunteering is one from Margaret Mead:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Don’t miss any opportunities to help with United Way of Central Alabama! Register to volunteer today.
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