By By Adrienne McKenzie
Church members in the Atmore area will have the opportunity to give back to their community through their church.
United Fund has designated next Sunday as United Fund Sunday in the Atmore area and according to president Ann Glavan this is way to recognize churchgoers.
"This approach with the United Fund Church Sunday was done in the past and we haven't done it in several years," Glavan said. "We are trying to reach out to those who are in the church that don't get notice of our drive in any other way.
All of the money United Fund raises throughout the year is redirected back into the community and Glavan is in hopes of passing the organization's goal this year.
"Our goal is $75,000 and we're anticipating surpassing it," she said.
Glavan said there are different ways churches can contribute to United Fund.
"It will depend on the church," she said. "What we were asked to do as board members was to contact the churches and let them know that we have designated Oct. 28 as United Fund Church Sunday. A pastor could bring that up during church or it could be a notice in the bulletin. They can contact Glavan, Chad Bartz, Cathy McKinley or Renee Hardy to make contributions. There are envelopes available if someone wants an envelope. There are pledge cards available if someone wants to make a pledge. A lot of the churches have the budgets where they can direct amounts of money to United Fund."
According to Glavan, United Fund board members would be more than happy to speak to the congregation about what United Fund is about.
"If the churches would like to have someone to come speak to their membership or any particular board, any of us would be welcome to do that.
According to a letter to the editor sent to the Advance written by the United Fund board members, the organization helps the community in many different ways.
"United Fund Sunday is a day set aside for churches and their members to make a donation to one of the most wonderful causes we have in Atmore," the letter states. "United Fund of Atmore provides assistance to so many worthwhile organizations that help those in need. Whether it's cleats for the young child who cannot afford them, medicine and/or transportation for a person who has no way to provide it for themselves or a caring person who reaches out to our youth, United Fund is always there to help. It may be the books you get from the library or receive by mail, or the Girl Scout group that needs help with expenses, United Fund is there. If there's a child that needs a school uniform or supplies, a family that is hungry, or a family with a loved one in prison, United Fund is there. And what about the past that we all want to remember, United Fund helps keep our history alive!"
Glavan said United Fund Church Sunday is not the only activity the organization will hold in order to raise money.
"In the future we are going to have a drive specifically sent to residents," she said.
For more information on United Fund of Atmore, visit their Web site at
www.freewebs.com/unitedfundofatmore