3 unique ways to get out + meet new friends this summer in Birmingham

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Are you a recent grad or college student looking for something to do this summer? Or wondering where to make friends as an adult? Try becoming a volunteer.

The Greater Birmingham Area is one of the most generous in the country, with plenty of opportunities to make a difference.

To get the lowdown on how you can get involved, we reached out to United Way of Central Alabama. 

Meet United Way of Central Alabama, full of opportunities to volunteer

Since 1923, United Way of Central Alabama has brought people and resources together to care for one another and improve our community. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the operation, and there are many ways to get in on the action. 

What better way to meet people with similar values, whether you’re new to the area or were born here? 

1. Volunteer with Meals on Wheels

In just one hour, you can touch the lives of homebound seniors in our area by providing them with nutritious food and warm human connection. 

Check out the impact Meals on Wheels had in 2023 alone, thanks to almost 1,000 volunteers: 

• 306,128 meals to 1,580 homebound seniors + disabled persons in Jefferson County
  • 4,601 supplemental food deliveries to seniors reported to be in extreme need
  • 3,962 meals delivered to seniors waiting to be added to the regular client list
• Volunteers:
  • 575 dedicated volunteers made deliveries to homebound seniors.
  • 387 kitchen + pantry volunteers prepared meals for delivery + maintained stock.

Sign up today to volunteer with Meals on Wheels. Call 205.592.0413 or email volunteer@uwca.org.

Learn more about the incredible work Meals on Wheels does in our community: 

• This local veteran found new life through service—here’s how
• George Hamilton volunteered for Meals On Wheels for over 20 years—learn why it’s so special to him
• It’s only $5. For the price of a latte, you can help feed 1,100 Jefferson County seniors with Meals on Wheels

2. Get involved in a project through United Way Hands On

If you’ve got a little time on your hands, whether on a holiday or a weekend, United Way Hands On has you covered. 

They maintain an ongoing list of one-off volunteer opportunities where you can sign up and show up. 

Check out the difference they made in 2023 alone: 

• 14,390 volunteer hours completed by 3,426 volunteers
• 132 community projects completed

Look for a Backpack Drive and a Fairfield City Schools Beautification project in July, along with other projects. 

Check out United Way Hands On’s current volunteer opportunities.

3. Sign up for a “Visiting Allocations Team”

Every year, United Way of Central Alabama raises and distributes millions of dollars across 70+ partner agencies. 

To ensure that the community is investing its dollars in the best possible way, UWCA recruits hundreds of community volunteers each year to go out and visit the partner agencies. 

It’s these volunteer community leaders who see what’s happening on the ground and make recommendations.

Some key dates: 

• August 13: 1st volunteer training
• August 28: volunteer appreciation/recruitment event

Find out more about what’s involved in serving on a Visiting Allocations Team.

Learn more about Visiting Allocations Teams: 

• United Way to allocate $26.6M to 71 agencies in 2022
• United Way seeking 150 volunteers to review their 71 partner agencies by Sept. 1st
• United Way needs almost 100 volunteers for its Visiting Allocations Team. I just signed up. Will you?
• Over 500 local volunteers visit United Way of Central Alabama partner agencies. See why it matters.

Volunteering with UWCA is a great way to make new friends. Sign up to get involved today.

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