Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
One Birmingham woman has dedicated her life to service—see how you can, too
Reading time: 4 minutes
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Birmingham native La Toya Cathéy has lived a life impacted by United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA), whether she realizes it or not.
La Toya, a Brasfield & Gorrie employee and dedicated UWCA volunteer, shared her experiences serving with dozens of Birmingham organizations. Keep reading for how you can serve, too!
La Toya Cathéy: A devoted volunteer with United Way of Central Alabama
La Toya Cathéy has a servant’s heart, and it’s evident to anyone who meets her.
She’s been a financial donor to UWCA since the late 1990s, but became a volunteer in 2015 because of Brasfield & Gorrie’s involvement.
Fun fact: Brasfield & Gorrie matches its employees’ donations dollar for dollar up to a set limit.
Throughout the past decade, La Toya has volunteered with dozens of UWCA partner agencies and organizations across Central Alabama. Some include:
- Community Food Bank of Central Alabama
- Habitat for Humanity
- My Sister’s Closet (YWCA)
- Special Olympics Alabama
- J. Mason Davis Leadership Society
- Young Philanthropists Society
- Women United
“If [Brasfield & Gorrie] didn’t give this opportunity, I would still be involved. I was introduced to it, and now it’s a part of my life.”
La Toya Cathéy
Check out volunteer opportunities within United Way of Central Alabama.
A life dedicated to service
What La Toya didn’t realize when she began volunteering was how much of her life had been centered around the work UWCA does.
While painting the walls of My Sister’s Closet in downtown Birmingham, La Toya remembered skating, playing basketball and building friendships with families at YWCA.
“As a kid, I lived at the YWCA because my family were victims of domestic violence. We built relationships with people at YWCA that we’re still friends with right now.”
La Toya Cathéy
When she served at the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, she reflected on how the nonprofit impacted her family growing up.
“My family used to work hours at the food bank and then take some food home with us.”
La Toya Cathéy
And even as an adult, when La Toya’s son needed care from Children’s of Alabama.
“When my son was a year old, he contracted osteomyelitis in his heel bone and was taken care of at Children’s of Alabama. I didn’t even know that UWCA was such a big part of Children’s!”
La Toya Cathéy
Why volunteer with United Way of Central Alabama?
So, why does La Toya do it? Why, after nearly half of her life, does La Toya still give back to UWCA?
Her answer is simple: She doesn’t know life without service.
“Through every facet of my life, I’ve been serving. Whether I was with Brasfield & Gorrie, my sorority, my church or my family, I’ve always been serving.
That’s been my life’s greatest fulfillment.”
La Toya Cathéy
Ways to volunteer with UWCA
You can get involved with UWCA’s mission and serve with dozens of organizations, all poised to make a tremendous impact across Central Alabama.
And, since UWCA partners with so many nonprofits, you can find your perfect match—from meal packaging or delivery with Meals on Wheels to building a house with Habitat for Humanity.
Hands On, UWCA’s volunteer center, has countless opportunities for you to serve. Some include:
Plus, here are a few service events coming up for you to dip your toes in the water:
- Tuesday, April 29: Midfield Community Garden project
- Friday, May 2: Litter pick-up at C.J. Donald Middle School
“There’s always going to be an agency at UWCA that needs your service, your impact and your care. That’s what we were created to be and to do as servants.”
La Toya Cathéy
Don’t miss any opportunities to help with United Way of Central Alabama! Sign up to volunteer today.
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