Why one local company has been volunteering for more than 100 years + how you can start now

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In addition to being an avid pickleball player, Craft O’Neal has been volunteering to make Birmingham better for years. In fact, the third-generation CEO of O’Neal Industries is proud that the company he leads has been involved with United Way of Central Alabama since its beginning in 1923. Keep reading for his story and how you can volunteer with UWCA.

There are so many ways to volunteer with United Way of Central Alabama

O’Neal Industries is one of the many businesses in Birmingham that gives back through UWCA.

Craft O’Neal is a longtime United Way of Central Alabama supporter

O’Neal Steel was founded in 1921, just two years before the establishment of the Birmingham Community Chest—the organization that eventually grew into United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA). Founder Kirkman O’Neal—Craft O’Neal’s grandfather—was involved from the very beginning, and that tradition has continued throughout the company’s first century.

We spoke with Shirley Fagan, Director of Communications at O’Neal Industries (ONI), parent company of O’Neal Steel, and a twenty-plus-year volunteer with UWCA, to learn more.

Fagan said that Craft O’Neal, ONI’s third-generation CEO, has been involved with UWCA for years as a volunteer in many leadership capacities.

“Craft O’Neal has worked with ONI for over 40 years and has grown up with the mindset that it’s important for us to support the communities where we have facilities. Here in Birmingham, he has:

• Volunteered with the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama packing boxes during the company’s 100th anniversary celebration
• Led a Pacesetter Campaign for UWCA
• Led the Tocqueville Society campaign for UWCA
• Chaired UWCA’s Centennial Celebration

He is definitely a believer in the mission and work of UWCA, and has supported volunteerism by our company’s team members as well. He’s happy to lend the time and the expertise that we may have to help with the annual campaign.”

Shirley Fagan, Director of Communications, O’Neal Industries

Employees at O’Neal Industries volunteer in a number of ways

Because community support is one of O’Neal Industries’ core values, employees are involved with UWCA in many ways, including:

• Hands-on volunteering with UWCA partner agencies
• Leading campaigns, serving on committees + spearheading volunteer efforts
• One-time gifts to campaigns
• Voluntary contributions through regular payroll deductions

Fun fact: Over 300 team members from around the world volunteered through United Way Hands On—UWCA’s volunteer center—during the company’s 100-year-anniversary celebration in Birmingham.

Find out how you can volunteer with United Way of Central Alabama.

What volunteering means to the people who work at ONI

When I asked Shirley Fagan what other companies or individuals would want to know about volunteering with United Way of Central Alabama, she said that the staff are incredibly well organized and always respectful of your time.

For her, investing “time, talent and treasure” at multiple levels has been its own reward:

“The more I have volunteered, the more I understand and appreciate the work United Way does in the six-county area surrounding Birmingham. Serving on Visiting Allocation Teams, I get to know both what the needs are and the solutions.

I was familiar with some of the organizations, like Children’s of Alabama or the American Red Cross, but by serving each year on a Visiting Allocation Team (VAT), I have also gotten to see smaller, more rural efforts I would never know about if not for my involvement with United Way.”

Shirley Fagan, Director of Communications, United Way of Central Alabama

How you can become a United Way of Central Alabama volunteer

Depending on your skills, interests and availability, United Way of Central Alabama has a volunteer opportunity for you.

• Meals on Wheels is a great place to start if you have limited time.
• United Way Hands On has a range of volunteer opportunities you can sign up for.
• United Way of Central Alabama’s volunteer page can help connect you or your company with the right fit.

Start your volunteer journey with United Way of Central Alabama today.

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