People all over Birmingham stepped up and served this MLK Day [PHOTOS]

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Did you know MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service? For over 25 years, it’s served as a day of encouragement for people across the country to volunteer in their communities. This year, the people of Birmingham, along with United Way of Central Alabama, did just that. Keep reading to see just a few of the many ways our community gave back this year.

Avondale Elementary School Projects

Groups from YouthServe, United Way, Vulcan Materials and more came out to Avondale Elementary School to clean up the playground, repaint and help keep the school as beautiful and safe for its students.

I was able to get out and join this group of volunteers and meet Rachel Upton of United Way who told me what makes this day so special every year.

“One of my favorite quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is ‘Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.’  Being able to have service projects available for volunteers on MLK Day is such a wonderful way to not only honor him, but provide direct assistance for citizens and organizations in our community. 

Birmingham would not be the wonderful city it is without its people, and we should do everything we can to lift each other up. This place is my home, and home to so many.  We must take pride in where we live and take care of all who live here—we are one big family, and the community does not thrive without us all working together.”

Rachael Upton, Relationship Manager, UWCA

Minor High School Roadside Cleanup

Students, teachers and friends of Minor High School (Adamsville, Al) came out to clean up Minor Parkway.

Beyond MLK Day, UWCA provides so many opportunities like this for schools and organizations to learn and give back to their community.

“We at the United Way of Central Alabama enjoy our volunteer opportunities with our partners and community members. The results are always amazing!”

David Clark, Community Service Liaison, UWCA

Moss Rock Cleanup

Volunteers spent the day at Moss Rock Preserve in Hoover cleaning, weeding and other improvements to help give back to our community. It is amazing what a little time and effort can do for the community.

Alabama Wildlife Center

Volunteers from Youthshare helped the Alabama Wildlife Center with general cleaning, resetting rehabilitation cages, making suet (tasty treats for wildlife patients) and trail clean-up.

Alabama Power provided UWCA with a new truck to better serve the community

For the past 21 years, citizens of Birmingham have celebrated MLK Day by refurbishing schools, building homes for the needy, feeding the homeless, cleaning up neighborhoods and socializing with seniors.

Prior to the 29th anniversary of the National Day of Service this year, Alabama Power provided United Way with a new truck to improve their service efforts and make an even stronger impact on the community.

Make every day a Day of Service with United Way

Volunteering and giving back to the community is important every day of the year. UWCA has volunteer jobs ranging from litter clean-up to delivering food via Meals On Wheels. Join today and make every day a Day of Service.

If you’re seeking volunteer opportunities, UWCA can help connect you with the perfect opportunity.

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