Charitable Union Uses Albion-Homer United Way Grant Funds
Albion and Homer students received new outfits to start school this year through a $2,000 grant from Albion-Homer United Way to Charitable Union.
Due to Covid restrictions 66 Albion students picked up the new school clothes at St. Paul Lutheran Church this year instead of the Opportunity School. In Homer 25 qualifying students picked up school clothes at the Anchor Baptist Church instead of the Homer Middle School as in the past. Charitable Union has sponsored this event for eight years in Albion and for three years in Homer.
Charitable Union spokesperson Tyler Haviland, Fund Development Coordinator said the event has been affected by Covid both in 2020 and then this year with the Delta variant. Even though fewer students attended the distribution it was an increase from 2020, Haviland reported.
AHUW and Charitable Union’s missions intersect with helping people to connect with resources in their communities.
Marcia Starkey AHUW executive director said this grant is aligned with the goals of the United Way which includes helping children be successful so that they can accomplish future life goals. “ Albion-Homer United Way wants to help students be more confident and successful in school. Having their needs met, including proper clothing, helps boost that confidence, “ she stated.
In the next few weeks previous donors will receive mailed information on how to donate to help fund new grants, Starkey stated.
To allow AHUW to continue to support local organizations there are several good reasons to donate to the local United Way, Starkey said. These reasons include that donations fund Albion and Homer specific programs and that funding decisions are made by a local board. Donor lists are never shared with other agencies and payroll deductions make donating easier.
Donations can always be mailed to AHUW P.O. Box 55, Albion, MI 49224, made on-line at www.albionhomeruw.org or by contacting Starkey at 517-499-2563.
Board members are Carolyn Amos, Donisha Brewer, Chris Burdette, David Diemert, Robert Hawkins, Ryan Hopkins, Art Kale, Isabell Nazar, Pam Schuler, Gary Tompkins, Eddie Williams and Shane Williamson.
Back-to-school clothes are ready for distribution from Charitable Union during its annual event for Albion and Homer students. Funding to assist this effort comes from an Albion-Homer United Way grant.