United Way Unleashes Superhero Volunteers
United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) celebrated its twenty-first annual Day of Caring on Friday, April 17. Despite the rain, more than 500 employees from over 30 local companies participated in the region’s largest volunteerism event by spending a work day improving their community. While several outdoor projects were rescheduled for a later date due to inclement 
weather, many of the projects went on as scheduled. Rain, apparently, is not these superheroes’ kryptonite.
UWSWA’s annual Day of Caring is held each year during National Volunteer Week. Established in 1974, this national week of volunteerism focuses attention on the impact and power of volunteerism as an integral aspect of our civic leadership.
“Day of Caring is about taking action and encouraging individuals and local companies to be at the center of social change in southwest Alabama,” stated UWSWA President and CEO Alan H. Turner II. “This day focuses on working together and actively demonstrating the collective power of individuals and local businesses to facilitate positive transformations. Volunteers are an essential part of United Way’s work to advance the common good and this day could not continue to be a success year-after-year without the unyielding willingness of both companies and their employees to lend a helping hand in our community. They truly are our local superheroes.”
By participating in this event, volunteers are given the opportunity to visit the various locations of UWSWA partners and hear the stories of those whose lives have been impacted as a result of the programs funded by United Way. The volunteers worked on 37 projects throughout Mobile and Clarke counties at 27 UWSWA partner agencies.
This year’s Day of Caring, which was superhero themed, was sponsored by Alabama Power, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Volkert, BASF, Olin, PNC Bank, SSAB, INEOS Phenol, and Thames Batré Insurance.
For more information about volunteer opportunities throughout southwest Alabama, please visit the United Way Volunteer Connect page.
