United Way of Southwest Alabama honored individuals, businesses, volunteers, and community partners for their service and investment in Choctaw County during the Choctaw County Economic Development Alliance Annual Awards Dinner on October 1.

The recognitions highlighted the many ways local people and organizations support their neighbors through giving, volunteering, leadership, and collaboration. Last year, United Way funding helped four partner agencies serve 1,537 people in Choctaw County. Three hundred local children received 2,592 books through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and 300 people received food through the Butler Food Distribution.

United Way recognized the partners behind the December 10 Butler Food Distribution at F.A.I.T.H. Groceries. Forty one volunteers contributed 261 hours to distribute 11,749 pounds of food to 143 families. F.A.I.T.H. Groceries and its volunteers, Feeding the Gulf Coast, Georgia-Pacific, West Alabama Bank, and the Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce received certificates of appreciation for their contributions to the effort.

Hunt Refining Company received the Outstanding Campaign Award. Hunt contributed $38,690 to United Way in 2025, enough to help provide services to approximately 3,616 people. Hunt employees contributed more than $11,000 was donated by the employees in Choctaw County, and the company added corporate support to increase the impact of those gifts.

United Way presented the Heart of Gold Award to Phyllis Fulcher of F.A.I.T.H. Groceries. Fulcher helps connect individuals and families with food and other essential support and works alongside volunteers and community partners to meet needs throughout Choctaw County. Her service extends well beyond the Butler Food Distribution and reflects an ongoing commitment to caring for her neighbors.

Jess Allen received the Outstanding Community Champion Award for his advocacy, service, and commitment to Choctaw County. As a member of the United Way Choctaw County Committee, Allen gives his time, supports United Way efforts, encourages others to get involved, and consistently steps forward when his community needs him.

Georgia-Pacific received the Outstanding Community Partner Award, United Way’s highest Choctaw County recognition. The company has strengthened its partnership with United Way through financial support, community involvement, and a willingness to bring others into the work.

In 2025, Georgia-Pacific expanded its role in the Choctaw County Golf Tournament by engaging vendors and team members as sponsors and participants. The momentum continued in June 2026, when the tournament grossed $35,140. Georgia-Pacific invested approximately $39,500 in United Way last year and has invested more than $74,000 since 2018. The company also supported the Butler Food Distribution.

United Way also presented special recognition to Brett Allred for his service on the United Way of Southwest Alabama Board of Trustees and thanked him for the leadership, time, and support he has contributed to United Way and the communities it serves.

“United Is The Way™ means neighbors helping neighbors, businesses investing in the communities they call home, and volunteers giving their time because they care about the people around them,” said Justine Bixler, United Way of Southwest Alabama President & CEO. “Each of the people and organizations we recognized demonstrates that commitment to Choctaw County.”

United Way of Southwest Alabama thanks the Choctaw County Economic Development Alliance for providing the opportunity to recognize these honorees as part of the Annual Awards Dinner.

To view or download photos from the 2026 Choctaw County Awards, click here.