Errolyn Gray has been named the new director of Volunteer Columbus for United Way of Lowndes County.
Gray, formerly the development and special programs director for the Boys and Girls Club of the Golden Triangle, takes the place of former Volunteer Columbus head Renee Sanders, who is now executive director for United Way. Gray officially took the position on April 16, but was announced in a United Way press release issued Tuesday.
Gray said her first long-term goal is to continue cleanup efforts following an EF-3 tornado that hit Columbus on Feb. 23.
“I also know that Columbus has 400 nonprofits … and then 77 in Noxubee County, so (my goal is) just continuing the work that Miss Renee started in that and trying to identify all those nonprofits so that we can help them in whatever ways they need,” Gray said.
In her new position, Gray will be responsible for recruiting volunteers to aid more than 400 charities in Lowndes and Noxubee counties.
Sanders said she is hopeful Gray will help recruit younger people to help volunteer and donate to nonprofits.
“We haven’t been able to actually figure out how to connect with the generation ages 25 to 41,” she said. “We have our baby boomers. You don’t even have to ask them to volunteer. But that generation … we’re missing something. Errolyn brings that to the table where maybe we can figure out what it is we’re missing. What’s the missing link? How do we connect and figure out what’s going to motivate that generation to want to give more?”
Originally from West Point, Gray graduated from Alcorn State University in 2009 and has received a master’s degree in public policy and administration from Mississippi State University. While working for Boys and Girls Club, she kickstarted programs like Healthy Kids Rock!, which emphasizes physical health for children, and Readbox, a literacy program similar to the Accelerated Reading program where kids receive points and prizes for reading books.
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