For 2022, we are delighted to announce the Citizen of the Year is Mary Kathryn Hope Carlton!
Mary K Carlton is the founding volunteer of Nourish One Child backpack program which began in the Spring of 2013. Started by serving 25 children at Brownwood Elementary School, and now serving all 5 Scottsboro City Schools and more than 300 children in the City Schools receive bags of food for the weekend. During the 2020 Pandemic School closure, Nourish One Child provided over 12,000 bags of food to Scottsboro City School Children which were delivered via school buses by teachers and staff. Mary K coordinated volunteers from 12 local churches and Lions Club who contributed more than 5,000 hours of volunteer time. Over 10,000 food items were donated and more than $100,000 was donated. During 2020, Nourish One Child received approval to become a 501 (c) 3 Non-Profit Corporation and established a Board of Directors. Mary K Carlton is currently the Board President.
A founding member of Jackson County Food for Thought program, which is a coalition of all 15 backpack programs in Jackson County, Mary K coordinated fundraising efforts with the help of the Jackson County Legislative Office, Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Impact Learning Center, Civic Clubs, Churches, and Businesses. Over $100,000 has been raised during the 4 years of Fall fundraisers.
Mary K has been President of United Methodist Women of First Methodist Church for 9 years and has helped to raise about $100,000 for local mission projects.
Mary K Carlton received a commendation from State of Alabama House of Representatives for Professional Achievement and Outstanding Service to Others. She also received special recognition awards from Alabama Governor Bob Riley, and US Congressman Bud Cramer.
This is only a glimpse of the work she has done throughout her lifetime in service to others. Jackson County is incredibly appreciative of the time and talents Mary K Carlton has so graciously given. Her leadership and compassion for others is why we are recognizing her as the 2022 Jackson County Citizen of the Year!
