During National Volunteer Week, held April 21st to April 26th, United Way Hands On mobilized individuals and groups across Central Alabama to tackle urgent needs and create lasting impact. From addressing period poverty to improving public spaces, every effort moved us closer to meaningful, community-driven solutions.
Addressing Period Poverty Through Action
Period poverty remains a serious and often overlooked barrier for women and girls in our region. Nearly one in three adults and one in four students report struggling to afford menstrual products. Even more troubling, two in five teens say they’ve worn products longer than recommended due to lack of access — a health risk no one should face.
In response, Hands On hosted several kit-building events as part of this year’s Period Supply Drive. The first, a Lunch & Learn co-hosted with Women United, brought together the donor society’s members to pack 200 period supply kits. The second was a public volunteer opportunity on United Way of Central Alabama’s (UWCA) campus, where volunteers across the community came together to build period supply kits.
“This campaign responded directly to feedback from our nonprofit partners, who identified period products as one of the most urgent unmet needs in their communities,” said Rachael Upton, Director of Volunteer Engagement for United Way Hands On.
In total, the drive resulted in approximately 35,000 donated products, which will be distributed to schools, shelters and agencies such as Girls Inc. and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama.
Creating Space for Community Connection
In St. Clair County, volunteers supported the next phase of the Hands On Centennial Parks initiative, which was launched in 2023 to commemorate United Way of Central Alabama’s 100th anniversary. These parks are designed to provide safe, accessible recreation for residents while strengthening connections across neighborhoods.
Hands On coordinated a volunteer day at the St. Clair park site in Ragland with the Impact Alabama AmeriCorps team in attendance as volunteers. Those who pitched in painted playground equipment, installed swing seats and helped clean and organize the play area. Scheduled to open this spring, the park will feature a variety of recreational amenities, including an outdoor classroom pavilion as well as basketball and pickleball courts. It promises to be a vibrant space where residents can connect, engage in physical activity and enjoy the outdoors.
Looking Ahead
Volunteer opportunities continue throughout the year. On the second Saturday in May, United Way Hands On will support the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive in partnership with the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 530 and the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, a UWCA partner agency. This annual event helps stock food pantries at a critical time and is one of the largest single-day food drives in the country.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities or to sign up to volunteer, click here.