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United Neighbors Serves the Needy, Indigent in the Community

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McKenzie/Carroll County United Neighbors has evolved in size and scope since the original idea of such an organization in 1965. The local service agency is back open after a period of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Saudia Akin is the director of the center, that provides services for the indigent and needy of the community and Carroll County.

It relies on donations to serve the local constituents.

The United Neighbors is located at 2455 Cedar Street across from McKenzie City Hall. It is a certified non-profit organization operated by a volunteer board of directors. Local churches, service organizations, and individuals help provide funding along with United Way of West Tennessee. Each year, the postal carriers gather thousands of pounds of food for the food pantry at United Neighbors. The local schools, including the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, conduct food drives for the UN.

According to Mrs. Akin, United Neighbors provides free clothing for those who meet financial guidelines. It also operates a thrift store, coordinates the free food give away through the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, assists families with the payment of utility bills, and provides emergency provisions for families in need. Proceeds from the thrift store helps pay operating expenses.

United Neighbors is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursdays 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to noon. It is closed Fridays.

It has two paid staff members. All others volunteer their time, said Mrs. Akin.

United Neighbors appreciates donations of food, clothing and small household items.

Board members for 2021 include: Anne Hames, president; Dennis Trull, secretary, treasurer; Garrett Burns; Tricia Trull; Virginia Cross; Chris Johnson; and Suzanne Howell.

United Neighbors was started in 1965 when Ed Perkins provided the original idea after hearing a message by Reverend J.C. Forester. The first steering committee was formed with Ed Perkins serving as chairman, along with members Golena Puckett, J.L. Seets, and Reverend Forester. McKenzie Mayor Y.D. Moore, businessman Bob Smith, and Bethel President Roy Baker provided essential support. In November 1965, the first radio talk-a-thon was held to benefit United Neighbors. Thousands of dollars were raised and volunteers assembled many food baskets that were distributed to needy families.

The United Neighbors soon became part of the McKenzie Ministerial Alliance. Each Christmas, food baskets were assembled at the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church for distribution to needy families.

It was decided that a more formal organization needed to provide the daily operations of United Neighbors. After the McKenzie City Hall was constructed across the street, the former, vacant city hall was converted to the United Neighbors. Approximately 50 volunteers worked to renovate the facility.

Members of the new board were: Executive Committee: Roy Pate, chairman; Dr. T.G. Riddick, vice-chairman; Tracy Thomas, secretary; and Herman “Smitty” Carter, treasurer.

Members of the Advisory Committee were: Brother Robert Forester, Brother Roy Graves, Brother Bill Mullins; Brother Kelvin Smith; and Councilman Dan Bradfield.

Representatives of churches and community organizations served as past board of directors. Members included: Judy Hall, Marion Smith, Sybil King, David Alred, Dr. T.G. Riddick, Herman “Smitty” Carter, Dr. Howard Smith, Carolyn Curry, Molly Foster, W.O. Warren, DeRay Neisler, Harvey Creasy and Jim Bryant, Joe Gallimore, Roy Pate, Gordon Hickman, Jessie McDade, Susie Marshall, Tracy Thomas, Mary J. Elkins, Jamie Foster, Al Hatchett, Terry Nolen, Willie Allen, and Edward Sneed.

Mayor Bob Putman cut the ribbon for the new center.