16th Annual United Way Day of Caring Largest in Event History

GUNTERSVILLE, Ala….On September 10, United Way of Marshall County kicked off its 16th Annual Day of Caring and Campaign Kick-off Breakfast at the First Baptist Church of Albertville with over 370 community members in attendance.  Day of Caring has become United Way’s largest one-day volunteer event and brings community volunteers face-to-face with local nonprofit agencies and community organizations. 

More than 430 volunteers came together this year from 54 companies and organizations throughout Marshall County to collectively change our community for the better by donating their time and a multitude of supplies to complete 84 projects. This is the largest number of participating volunteers and adopted projects in the event’s history. Day of Caring also boasted several individuals, retirees, and families that volunteered for projects. In addition, 19 companies held a casual day and supported Day of Caring by making the event t-shirts available to their employees. 

Day of Caring sponsors included: Edward Jones Investments, First Bank Mortgage Partners, Mueller Company, Parker, Peoples Independent Bank, Sand Mountain Toyota, Total Dental Care and Tyson Foods.  

“We are so appreciative of all of the volunteers, companies and organizations that gave so generously of their time, talents and resources this year,” commented Carrie Thomas, United Way’s Day of Caring Coordinator.  “We are always overwhelmed by the support from the community of this event.  It makes a great impact on the nonprofit agencies that are working so hard in Marshall County and making a difference in so many lives.”

This year’s program featured a success story from one of United Way’s partner agencies, the Marshall County Foster and Adoptive Parents Association.  Gabe Marsh, a nine-year old fourth grader at Cherokee Elementary School, was born with only one arm and no legs.  Gabe was born into foster care and adopted as an infant by his foster parents, Ann and Ed Marsh.  He is a member of the Guntersville Swim Team and aspires to participate in the Paralympics one day.   

Day of Caring also kicked off United Way’s 2013/2014 fundraising campaign.  Armed with the theme, “One Team, One Mission”, this year’s campaign is led by Campaign Chair Steve Marshall and co-chairs from each of the four major cities in Marshall County: Mike Price (Citizens Bank & Trust) – Albertville, Ed Childress (Syncro) – Arab, Steve Davis (bpimedia group) – Boaz, and Charlie Williams (Citizens Trust & Bank) – Guntersville.  This year’s campaign goal of $725,000 was announced.  Thanks to 20 pacesetter companies, almost 40 percent or about $290,000 has been already been pledged towards meeting this year’s goal.  United Way’s fundraising campaign runs from August 1 through November 15.  All money raised stays in Marshall County and enables United Way and its partner agencies to provide assistance for more than 33,000 local residents in need.

Day of Caring Participating Companies, Organizations and Individuals:

4-H Clubs of Marshall County — Marshall County Extension Office

Alabama Teacher’s Credit Union

AlaTrade Foods, LLC

BancorpSouth

BB&T

Boaz Schools Gifted Program

Cadence Bank

CAJA of Marshall County

Carol and George Chesebro

Citizens Bank & Trust

City of Albertville

Clay Irrigation

District Attorney’s Office

Earthlink

Edward Jones Investments

Factory Connection

Family Security Credit Union

HFI, LLC

Hospice of Marshall County

Hospice of North Alabama

Leigh and Bobby Landers

Marshall County Commission

Marshall County Legislative Delegation

Marshall County Soil & Water

McLaughlin & Edmondson, LLC

Merrill Gardens

Mitchell Grocery

Mueller Company

Judie and Mickey Moore

Laina Nugent/Cindy Priest

Paragon

Parker

Peoples Bank of Alabama

Peoples Independent Bank

Pilgrims Pride

Progress Rail Services

Propac Images

Regions Bank

Sand Mountain Broadcasting

Sand Mountain Toyota

Shepherd’s Cove

Sunrise Rotary Club

Syncro Corporation

Total Dental Care

Tyson Foods

United Way of Marshall County

Vantage Bank

Law Firm of Warnes & Logan

Warren Distribution

Weathers Furniture

Wells Fargo

Woodall & Hoggle Insurance

For more than 40 years, United Way of Marshall County has helped enrich community life by addressing critical issues.  Volunteers and donors research the needs of the community and develop strategies for assisting people who need it most, including children, families, and individuals.  United Way of Marshall County provides funding for 21 partner agencies and programs that ensure the efficient use of donor dollars.  For more information, please visit our website at www.uwaymcal.org or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/unitedwayofmarshallcounty. 

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