Coosa Day of Action resounding success

PROTECTED CONTENT

If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.

Username

Password

Login

Lost your password?

Username and Password Help

Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.

Email

Submit

← Back

By Christa Jennings
Senior Staff Writer

The United Way Day of Action held at Central Elementary School Coosa County last Friday proved to be a tremendous success thanks to an outpouring of support from volunteers and sponsors.

Courtney Layfield, executive director of Lake Martin Area United Way, reported that there were 75 volunteers for the Coosa County Day of Action, which included volunteers from numerous area businesses, as well as a number of students. She and others were ecstatic with the turnout, as Coosa had almost as many volunteers as both Tallapoosa County schools combined.

“[Coosa] showed up and showed out,” Layfield said. “It was awesome!”

Day of Action is a community service day that was started by United Way Worldwide as a way to get the community to harness the volunteer spirit and improve communities in which they live. Lake Martin Area United Way, or LMAUW, uses the annual event as an opportunity to help area schools get ready for the upcoming school year.

The LMAUW held Tallapoosa County’s Day of Action June 23 at Benjamin Russell High School and Reeltown High School and Coosa County’s on July 14 at Central Elementary School.

With so many volunteers on hand at Central Elementary, the group was able to get much more work done than it would have been able to complete otherwise. Among other things, volunteers helped pull weeds, participated in playground and garden maintenance, pressure washed, and more, with youth-friendly cleaning opportunities also being available.

“My words can’t adequately express how grateful I am for the leadership of Courtney Layfield in organizing this project, for the volunteers who came out to help and for the sponsors who helped to make it all possible,” said Kara Forbus, Central Elementary principal. “We were able to accomplish so much during the Day of Action that might not have been accomplished otherwise. Thank you!”

Sponsors of this year’s Day of Action included Home Depot of Alexander City, Alabama Paper and Supply, Russell Do-it Center, First Bank, Coosa County District 3 Commissioner Brandon Davis, and Walls Tires.

“The schools love it and appreciate the help,” said Layfield. “They have limited resources, and if we can off-set those expenses by getting volunteers to paint something, build something, or pull weeds, then that can be very helpful for them.”

In addition to the sponsors, United Way greatly appreciates the support of volunteers who come out to take part in the annual events and make them successful. Layfield also recognizes the importance of community volunteerism and how Day of Action provides a way for others to help their communities, with students and other youth also having the opportunity to lend a hand.

“Volunteering with United Way is a great way to source community service hours that so many students need to meet graduation or scholarship requirements,” Layfield said. “Day of Action is an easy four hours of volunteer time, and we encourage participation.”

LMAUW is always looking for volunteers for a variety of things, whether a big opportunity like Day of Action or for day to day assistance. They always welcome volunteers to help and say that there is something for everyone.

For more information or to volunteer contact Layfield at 256-329-3600 or visit www.unitedwaylakemartin.org.