‘There is a huge need right here in our own backyard’

United Way holds annual meeting, announces new program

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United Way of Cullman County Executive Director Waid Harbison, seen at the nonprofit’s annual meeting, thanks the volunteers and organizations who give back to the community. (Amy Leonard for The Cullman Tribune)

CULLMAN, Ala. – Executive Director Waid Harbison and his team at United Way of Cullman County hosted the nonprofit’s annual meeting Thursday. The event offered the attendees an opportunity to interact with representatives from many of the United Way’s partner agencies that benefit from the donations of citizens throughout the community. 

Partner agencies of the local United Way chapter for 2022-23 include: 

  • 2-1-1 Services 
  • 4-H Club 
  • American Red Cross 
  • Cullman County Center for the Developmentally Disabled 
  • Cullman County Commission on Aging 
  • Cullman Caring for Kids 
  • Dolly Parton Imagination Library 
  • First Source for Women 
  • Foster Grandparents 
  • Girl Scouts 
  • Good Samaritan Health Clinic 
  • HOPE Horses 
  • Hospice of Cullman County 
  • North Alabama Agriplex Foundation 
  • Pilot Light Home 
  • Restoring Women Outreach 
  • Victim Services 

Board Chairman-Elect Brain Poole, Chairman of the Board Jake Johnson and Chairwoman of the Young Professionals Board Sally Hamm had turns at the podium while much of the event belonged to Harbison as he bestowed gratitude on those who have gone above and beyond in the community over the last year. Publix was recognized as the top donor of the year. 

Earlier in the week, the United Way announced its newest program, Volunteer Cullman. The venture will provide the opportunity to connect community volunteers with opportunities to serve nonprofits, neighbors and churches. The monthly community needs will be sent out via social media, email and a new Volunteer Cullman Facebook group in development. Interested organizations and individuals are urged to contact the United Way. 

“We are very excited to announce the launch of our Volunteer Cullman program,”  Harbison said. “Thereare so many needs in the community for help, and we want to be at the forefront of people being able to serve their communities. Many people go on mission trips overseas or out of the area, but there is a huge need right here in our own backyard to help and love our neighbors.”  

Harbison continued, speaking about the excitement around the new Volunteer Cullman Facebook group, saying, “A lot of times, social media is so negative. We see a lot of criticism, gossiping and negativity on social media, so we are very excited to have a community group with Volunteer Cullman that will really be about helping neighbors and those in need in the community.” 

Thursday’s event was sponsored by Van’s Sporting Goods, Drinkard Development, Shop Around the Corner, Senior Benefits of North Alabama and Citizens Bank & Trust. 

For more information about the United Way Volunteer Cullman program, contact United Way of Cullman County Community Relations and Impact Manager McCayla Murphy at 256-739-2948 or by email at mmurphy@uwaycc.org.  

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