CINDY BOWMAN TAYLOR

Every year hundreds of participants sacrifice their time, efforts and/or money to support local agencies in Calhoun County, Alabama to help local agencies and residents accomplish projects that would otherwise not be done because of lack of funds or resources. The United Way’s “Day of Caring” is one of the ways that these needs are met. Volunteers from around the community join together to accomplish the much needed projects. The volunteer workday had over 400 participants from 25 companies who worked at 26 agencies. Anniston Army Depot in Anniston, Alabama has joined in this effort the last three years.

Mrs. Cindy Taylor has led the coordinating efforts for Anniston Army Depot. As a United Way Ambassador, Mrs. Taylor assists in the planning of the volunteer workday by contacting agencies needing assistance and matching them with companies who have volunteers. Mrs. Taylor also works with promotion and media coverage for the event. Mrs. Taylor has been the “Day of Caring” chairperson for Anniston Army Depot for three years.

The United Way of East Central Alabama instituted their inaugural award, the “Kitchins’ Caring Hand Award,” to recognize an extraordinary individual who went above and beyond the call of duty, exceeded expectations and/or exemplified an exceptional contribution to the day’s success. The award is named after the late the longtime philanthropy efforts of the late Claude Kitchins.

Nominations were solicited from the participating volunteers to select who this award should be presented to. It is difficult, at best, to single out any one person for their unselfish efforts and hard work. Nominations were considered upon the following demonstrated characteristics: attitude, enthusiasm, teamwork, personal sacrifice, leadership and other supportive efforts.

The Kitchin’s Caring Hand award was presented to Anniston Army Depot employee Cindy Taylor for going above and beyond the call of duty. The award was presented during the United Way Annual campaign kick-off luncheon.

In addition to being awarded the Kitchin’s Day of Caring award, Mrs. Taylor was named co-chair for the upcoming Day of Caring volunteer day. She has also served as the United Way’s Combined Federal Campaign coordinator for Anniston Army Depot and was a member of the Executive Committee and the Local Federal Coordinating Committee for the United Way. Through diligent work with key leaders and managers throughout the depot and private organizations, Mrs. Taylor was able to lead one of the most successful campaigns in the depot’s history. For these efforts, Mrs. Taylor received the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service.