See how these Birmingham volunteers get kids back-to-school-ready

Sponsored

Every busy parent knows it truly takes a village to get kids ready for back-to-school. And that’s when conditions are ideal, access to resources are relatively unlimited and parents have all day to help track down every item on teachers’ lists.

So when a group of Birmingham Regions Bank employees saw gaps in needs for area students, they stepped up to ensure kids were starting the new school year with essential supplies and support to make it successful.

Help local kids start their school year with a smile

If you’re like me—admittedly on the nerdy side—one of the best parts of back-to-school prep is organizing your supplies. Turns out it’s still just as thrilling to sharpen your pencils and arrange your folders in rainbow-colored order.

When I heard there was an open spot to help the Regions team load backpacks with supplies at United Way a few weeks ago, I knew I had to get in on the giveback action, and it was right on time:

“A lot of kids come from families that are having a hard time being able to afford supplies for the school year. Teachers are also paying out of pocket and supporting students when they don’t have supplies.

We’re trying to fill that gap so they can feel prepared and aren’t worried.”

_{Rachel Upton, Director of Volunteer Engagement, United Way of Central Alabama}

Sometimes important work happens outside of the office

During my afternoon at United Way, I met some cool folks who were excited to talk about the importance of spending time away from the office to do something meaningful, and how their employer makes that easy.

“These dynamic giveback days are an opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life, even if it’s just for a few hours.

We can come together, collaborate and do things that make an impact—not just at Regions, but at United Way and other agencies around Birmingham.

_{Shanika Gibson, Fraud Train Release Engineer, Regions Bank}

Shanika’s coworker, Ryan, chimed in as we made our way among the brightly-colored supplies with backpacks in-hand:

“Regions takes volunteering very seriously. When recruiting talent, we are often asked how Regions gets involved with the community, and this is an important part of that.”

_{Ryan King, Head of Talent Acquisition, Regions Bank}

Other opportunities to get Birmingham kids back-to-school-ready

It wasn’t just backpacks that needed fulfilling. Other Regions employees were able to dig in and get their hands dirty—literally—helping Birmingham kids succeed.

Walking into a school that feels cared for really matters. Contributing to something, even as simple as a patio, felt like a meaningful way to support that. 

Every Regions associate is given one paid day off per year to volunteer with a nonprofit or community organization of their choosing. I really appreciate how Regions makes giving back part of their culture.”

_{Peyton Middleton, Investor Relations Analyst, Regions Bank}

Other Regions volunteers contributed to the following projects:

• Ephesus Academy: moved furniture, supported students and staff + strategized with principals 
• Dolly Ridge Elementary: general prep for rising first graders
• Jones Valley Teaching Farm + Glen Iris Elementary: graded land for Farm teaching + built a patio (pictured above)
• Henry Oliver Elementary + Brocks Gap Intermediate Schools: general cleanup
• Living Stones Temple: sorted donated clothing + assisted with a back-to-school rally
• First Light Women’s Shelter: hair services for children to look + feel their best

If you or your employer are looking to implement volunteer opportunities like Regions, start with our guide to local non-profits that could use a little help.

Learn more about how Regions Bank encourages their employees to volunteer and contributes to our growing community here.