The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) has announced that the nation's largest annual food drive to combat hunger will be conducted this Saturday, May 8, 2010. This year will mark the 18th annual drive to "Stamp Out Hunger". Thousands of local families are suffering - struggling to make ends meet and put food on the table. Local food banks, pantries, and shelters need our help more than ever. How can you take action? It's easy! Simply place any non-perishable food items you wish to donate in a bag and leave it at your mailbox this Saturday, May 8th. Your postal carrier will collect the bags and the food will then be distributed to local food banks right here where you live. Local food banks and shelters benefiting from this year's food drive are 2nd Chance, Inc.; Alabama Baptist Association; Alabama Baptist Children's Home; All Saints Interfaith Center of Concern; Anniston Soup Bowl; Community Enabler Developer; and The Salvation Army. United Way is proud to co-sponsor the drive with the NALC; U.S. Postal Service's Priority Mail; Campbell Soup Company; Valpak; National Rural Letter Carriers' Association; Feeding America; and the AFL-CIO. To find out more about the NALC "Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive click here.

United Way honored our community's volunteers during National Volunteer Week with a Reception held on April 20, 2010. Over thirty nominees were recognized at this year's celebration, but there was one whose dedication and willingness to go above and beyond stood out from the rest. Hillary Folsom from Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center was named the 2010 Volunteer of the Year. Nominated as a dedicated member of the Junior League of Anniston-Calhoun County, Hillary has served as the head of committees, organizing fundraisers, scheduling events, marketing the League, and so much more. She contributed over 300 service hours in the 2009-2010 year alone. She has changed the lives of women and children in Calhoun County through her leadership, guidance, knowledge, craftiness, and organization. She serves as a true inspiration, and the person who nominated her even said, "She is the volunteer that I strive to be!" Congratulations, Hillary. Job well done!

 

 

Tony Averitte from Anniston City Schools was named the 2010 Student Volunteer of the Year. Tony spent the entire summer of 2009 volunteering with Southern Care Hospice under the guidance of Ms. Telesa Stanford. He became particularly fond of one of his patients, an elderly gentleman, and continued to spend time with him well into the school year. He enjoyed bringing a bit of sunshine to the life of someone else. This patient actually went from not talking or interacting to wanting to be up and ready when it was time for Tony to visit. Tony, even as a student and a teenager, is a perfect example of how reaching out to others can fill our own lives with joy. Congratulations, Tony!