AT&T Volunteers Help Brown Middle School Teachers Prepare for Day One

AT&T Volunteers at Brown Middle School

With less than one week before school starts, over 200 AT&T employees from across metro Atlanta poured into Brown Middle School on Thursday, July 26, to help teachers and staff prepare for Day One APS.

Thanks to their volunteer efforts, classrooms are cleaned, books are stored, bulletin boards are prepped, and storage rooms are organized. Held in partnership with the Westside Future Fund, the volunteer day was an opportunity for AT&T employees to give back to the community.

For three hours, volunteers like William Autry spent their time cleaning desks, assembling storage carts, organizing classrooms, folding band uniforms, and performing other essential tasks to help teachers and staff get ready for school.

“I believe more in sweat equity than donations, and that’s why it’s important for me for give back to the community,” said Autry, a senior network support specialist.

Cherise Mlott, who serves as director of corporate real estate for AT&T’s Southeast region, agreed.

“It’s so important that we invest in our community, and it’s great to back to the students in our city,” she said.

Principal Tiauna Crooms said she’s grateful for AT&T’s support.

“Giving back to the community is something that I always emphasize with my students and staff, and AT&T is an exemplar of that with all of the volunteers who’ve graciously given of their time to help,” Crooms said. “This year, our goal is also to pass the torch and give back to our community.”

According to Bill Leahy, president of AT&T Georgia and Southeast Region, AT&T employees have contributed 140,000 hours to the Atlanta community in recent years.

External Affairs Manager Sonia Daniels said AT&T is proud to serve Brown Middle School and the Westside community. The volunteer activity is part of the kick-off of the Engage Atlanta Campaign, which serves to combine the company’s philanthropic and volunteer efforts.

“AT&T is committed to Atlanta and the revitalization of the Westside community,” Daniels said. “We’re here to show that this is what corporate America is all about.”