United Way of Southwest Alabama and community partners distributed shelf-stable food boxes and bottled water provided by Feeding the Gulf Coast to 172 people representing 71 households in Burnt Corn and Pine Orchard, Monroe County, on Saturday, October 17. United Way, Monroe County Sheriff Tom Boatwright, and Feeding the Gulf Coast coordinated the distributions, with separate groups of community volunteers helping families at each location.

In Burnt Corn, the Burnt Corn Volunteer Fire Department provided staging and storage space, while United Way staff, the Sheriff and community volunteers distributed food boxes and bottled water outside the Burnt Corn Post Office.

 

In Pine Orchard, another group of community volunteers joined United Way staff to distribute food boxes and bottled water. Their efforts complemented the Pine Orchard Volunteer Fire Department’s free hot meals for neighbors, law enforcement officers, and utility company line crews working in the area.

Many residents in smaller communities across Monroe and neighboring Conecuh County remained without electricity over the weekend. Utility line crews worked to restore power, while local responders and community organizations helped address immediate needs.

 

“Recovery takes coordination, especially when smaller communities are still without electricity and families need basic supplies,” said Justine Bixler, President and CEO of United Way of Southwest Alabama. “Sheriff Boatwright, Feeding the Gulf Coast, and United Way came together to coordinate these distributions and get food and water to families who need them. Community volunteers and local fire departments played an essential role in making both events possible. We are equally grateful to the utility crews and law enforcement officers working tirelessly to help these communities recover.”

 

United Way is working with the Governor’s Office of Volunteer Services (GOVS), the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (Alabama EMA), and local officials to identify needs and connect resources with families and communities affected by Hurricane Isaias.

 

United Way would also like to thank Publix for its support of organizations like United Way and Feeding the Gulf Coast. These partnerships strengthen the network of community organizations responding to disasters and helping neighbors recover.

Photos: Photographs from the Burnt Corn and Pine Orchard Hurricane Isaias relief distribution are available for viewing and download at 

 

United Way would also like to thank Publix for its support of organizations like United Way and Feeding the Gulf Coast. These partnerships strengthen the network of community organizations responding to disasters and helping neighbors recover.

Supporting Hurricane Isaias Recovery

United Way’s Community Crisis Fund supports Hurricane Isaias relief and recovery across eligible counties in Alabama and Northwest Florida. Donors can designate their contributions to a specific county, helping direct resources to the communities they wish to support.

Individuals, businesses, and organizations can contribute by:

• Donating online: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/f/6bgp/n?vid=1svsgc
• Texting to give: Text ISAIAS26 to 91999 to receive a secure donation link.

All contributions to the Community Crisis Fund support Hurricane Isaias relief and recovery.

Residents needing help finding food, housing, utility assistance, health care, or other essential services can dial 2-1-1 or 888-421-1266. Those seeking help with storm-related debris or fallen tree removal can contact Crisis Cleanup at 800-451-1954. Volunteer assistance depends on availability and is not guaranteed.

For additional disaster recovery information, visit https://uwswa.org/need-help/disaster-assistance/community-crisis-fund/.