About three years ago, Bradley White decided he wanted to give back to the community. As a result of his resolve, a 12-member organization known as “A Time to Share” materialized and began community outreach projects that continue today.

“I was a troubled teen,” White explained. “No one was doing stuff for us so I wanted to start this [program].”

A Time to Share has hosted Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas parties for needy families, and just recently sponsored its third annual “Day of Fun and Sharing” on the Fourth of July at the Gaineswood field. The event featured a display of the new fire truck by the Demopolis Fire Department, a car show and an inflatable moonwalk for the children.

“We want to help families and children at risk and let them know that there are people willing to help,” said Grace Clayton, president of A Time to Share.

“With the economy so bad, people don’t know which way to go or what to do. We want to help them.”

A Time to Share also donated $250 to Hannah House, a Christian drug rehabilitation center for women in Eight Mile, Ala.

“Another goal of ours is to help other worthwhile organizations,” Clayton explained. The organization has also donated to Harriet’s House, a shelter for battered women and children.

A Time to Share is now focusing on its next event, this year’s Thanksgiving dinner. Last Thanksgiving, the organization fed almost 250 people.

“We are already in donation mode,” said Clayton.

Future plans of A Time to Share include securing grants, purchasing a building for child tutoring and GED services, and establishing an adult special needs daycare.

“We want to have somewhere that mentally disabled people can go during the day,” White said.

The care center would be named Curley’s House, in honor of Clayton’s brother with special needs.

While grants will aid in continuing the work of A Time to Share, all the support for the organization has been from the community thus far.

“We would like to thank all the local businesses who donated in 2009,” Clayton said. “Our greatest story is that we wanted to give back to our community, and we have, but the community has given so much back to us.”

Three years after founding A Time to Share, White continues to strongly believe in its mission.

“I feel like when we give back, it’s a time to share not just with my family, but with every family,” he said. “Not just with my culture, but with every culture. A lot of times, everyone wants to come together when something is bad, but we want everyone to come together in good times.”

As members of Nazareth of Galilee Baptist Church, Clayton and White both recognize the spiritual importance of A Time to Share.

“In the Bible, sharing is a way to communicate with people, by sharing food, money and other things,” Clayton said.

A Time to Share invites anyone who is willing to donate and share themselves with others to join the organization. Those who desire more information can call 289-0771 or 287-3899.