United Way of North Central Mississippi awarded one of two Strong Neighbor Awards to Atmos Energy on Nov. 20 for being a strong neighbor helping United Way to build stronger communities.
United Way NCM’s Strong Neighbor Award is awarded to individuals, organizations or businesses that invest $1,000 or more to help the United Way of North Central Mississippi support those providing a strong quality of life for all their neighbors.
Atmos Energy, whose service area includes Webster County, has been a supporter to United Way NCM and its four-county area of Choctaw, Oktibbeha, Webster and Winston for many years.
Besides the annual corporate donation, the company is also a partner through in-kind support for United We Feed and United We Read, two of United Way NCM’s self-run outreach programs.
“Our effectiveness as an organization is directly related to the engagement of people in our community,” said Paul Luckett, UWNCM president. “And, as an organization, Atmos Energy has been a partner always poised to help the United Way fight for the well-being of every person in our community. Whether it’s manning canned food drives for United We Feed, collecting books for United We Read or raising money for the many non-profits we support, Atmos Energy demonstrates what it means to be a Strong Neighbor.”
Joyce Van Etten, a retired Atmos Energy employee and former United Way board member, said, “Working with a broad range of community partners, United Way supports new approaches that focus on prevention and community changes. Our employees are more than happy to volunteer their time and resources towards local community projects.”
In addition, Atmos Energy’s employees have been long-time supporters through payroll deductions. Van Etten added, “We feel like United Way provides communities with great support programs and services that help people with basic needs such as education, income and health. Contributions go to work creating lasting changes right where you live.”
Bancorp South also received a Strong Neighbor Award.
United Way NCM’s 14 agencies are hard at work building strong neighbors. To become invested in your community, call 662-323-3830; or register online at www.unitedwayncms.com under the “Give” tab. Be one of the strong neighbors making a strong community.
