Decatur, AL, USA, 04/14/2015 /SubmitPressRelease123/
Philanthropy, volunteering, and making a positive difference—that’s what Miss Alabama hopefuls will be doing in Tuscaloosa at the Temporary Emergency Services Organization of Tuscaloosa. TES as it is sometimes referred to, has been chosen as one of three projects across Alabama for titleholders in the 2015 Miss Alabama pageant to work as a part of “Miss America Serves”— a national day of volunteer service presented by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The project, which will take place on Saturday, April 18th will raise funds for the children’s hospitals in Birmingham and Mobile, while addressing the unique needs of Temporary Emergency Services of Tuscaloosa.
“Miss America Serves Day is the perfect opportunity for contestants around the country to join together and display exactly what the Miss America Organization stands for”, said Amanda Ford, Miss Shelby County. “Serving our communities is something that we are each so passionate about. I am excited about volunteering at the Temporary Emergency Services in Tuscaloosa because it is an organization that reaches out to so many people in the Tuscaloosa community. When people are in immediate need, TES steps in with open arms. I am so thankful to be a part of an organization like Miss Alabama that has made such a big impact in my life and is giving me an opportunity to make an impact in the lives of others”, stated Ford.
“Temporary Emergency Services is an agency that assists individuals and families in emergency situations”, said Karen Thompson, Executive Director of the agency for over 25 years. Thompson received her Bachelor’s degree in social work in 1990 and, in 1992, earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Alabama, where she continues to be involved by serving as an adjunct faculty member for the School of Social Work. “As my very first professional job, I’m so lucky because I love what I do”, she said. “I try hard to remain focused on the mission of the organization, remembering it’s not about myself and what I do, but about how I treat and care for others. I am fortunate to have a job only because someone is in need of assistance— which is a sad fact. I truly believe that how you treat others will determine how others treat you one day”, she continued.
Karen currently serves on several local boards and committees- all of which are focused on improving the lives of members of the Tuscaloosa community. In 2005, she was awarded a Rotary Rose.
“Is there a way the community can help US?…… absolutely,” said Thompson. “We always need clothing for adults and children, cookware, household items, furniture, and personal items, to name a few. I try to encourage PRESS RELEASE people when they are deciding what organizations need their help, to think about TES at least once a year. We don’t have a budget for advertising, so our name does not get out in front of the public much. We are elated to have these young women to join us on ‘Miss America Serves Day’ to help us organize and label our items. Even if you don’t have items to donate, we can always use volunteers, such as these young women to help us keep our inventory straight. We will be ever grateful to them for spending this day with us so we’ll be ready when the next emergency or crisis hits our area”, concluded Thompson.
“Tuscaloosa is my hometown, so I am always thrilled when an opportunity to give back to the city that raised me presents itself”, said Caitlin Crowe, Miss Tuscaloosa. “When the tornadoes hit Tuscaloosa in 2011, Tuscaloosa Emergency Services (TES) was one of the first organizations on the scene to help those in need. In appreciation of all they have done for this city, I am so excited to be a part of Miss America Serves Day! I could not think of a better way to serve the community that means so much to me, than by partnering with my fellow Miss Alabama contestants for this nationwide event”, concluded Crowe.
About the Miss Alabama Pageant
Alabama is home to a remarkable and respected organization with a rich history that spans more than nine decades. This not-for-profit organization awards college scholarships to outstanding young women of our state, and its mission is more critical than ever in this time of inadequate funding for education in Alabama. The Miss Alabama Pageant stands as a shining example of what can be accomplished when college women are challenged and encouraged to achieve ambitious goals.
The community service aspect of the Miss Alabama program propels contestants into arenas of prominence where policy is made, laws are enacted or changed, crucial funding is realized, and lives are positively affected. Contestants work for causes represented by their personally chosen platforms which may include Cancer research and education, organ donation, child enrichment and mentoring programs, senior citizen advocacy, arts and cultural organizations, and many others. Tor learn more visit www.missalabama.com
About Habitat for Humanity International
Founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat invites people from all faiths and walks of life to work together in partnership, building houses with families in need. To learn more, visit us at www.morganhabitat.org or www.habitatmontal.org
About Temporary Emergency Services of Tuscaloosa
Temporary Emergency Services Inc. (TES) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families in crisis situations. Churches in the Tuscaloosa Community funded TES in 1945 to serve clients unable to receive assistance from local social services agencies. TES assists individuals and families in crisis situations in order to allow the clients to survive the immediate crisis they are encountering. TES operates its programs efficiently and effectively, thereby maximizing its limited resources, and the productivity of its employees. TES utilizes programs and services that have been successful for other public, private, and nonprofit organizations. To learn more, visit us at www.temporaryemergencyservice.org
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