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A LIFE OF SERVICE

The spirit of volunteerism runs deep in Clay County, Alabama. It is also deeply rooted in the heart of Clay County Exchange General Manager Jeff Kinder.

Kinder has spent nearly 30 years working at the Co-op. But his impact extends far beyond the store’s walls — he has dedicated more than 30 years as a volunteer EMT with the Clay County Rescue Squad.

His journey into emergency services was inspired by his father-in-law, a founding member of the rescue squad. Since joining the team, Kinder has balanced his responsibilities at the Co-op with his role as a first responder, answering an average of one emergency call per day. “Some of the things you see you don’t enjoy,” Kinder admitted, “but as far as helping people out, I like helping people.”

Kinder has been honored with the Rescue of the Year award three times and has received a Lifetime Award for his unwavering dedication. Yet, recognition isn’t what drives him. “A lot of times when you help somebody out, nobody thanks you,” he said. “But you’re not there for that. You’re there to help people.”

Managing the Co-op and serving as a first responder requires an extraordinary level of commitment and caffeine. With only one part-time employee working three hours a day, Kinder shoulders much of the store’s daily operations. He often starts his day as early as 4 A.M. and remains on call, ready to lock the gates and rush to an emergency at a moment’s notice.

Despite the demands, he finds fulfillment in both roles. “I just enjoy doing both,” he said. At Clay County Exchange, Kinder ensures farmers and local producers have the supplies they need, whether it’s cattle feed, minerals or hunting supplies. “I try to help them get what they need when they need it. We’re not as big as some of the stores, but at times we’re pretty busy. It’s busy for one person,” he remarks.

Kinder’s passion for service has inspired his daughter to follow in his footsteps. She earned her EMT certification while still in high school and has since advanced to become a paramedic and RN, volunteering alongside her father.

Building Relationships, One Paw at a Time

Meanwhile, at DeKalb Farmers Cooperative-Albertville, employees are extending their impact beyond agriculture by supporting a unique community initiative.

Albertville Innovation Academy Agriscience teacher Sherry Little and facility dog, Georgia, are regulars at the store. The pair stops often to pick up Georgia’s special kibble.

“A facility dog is like an emotional support dog for our students and faculty. If we have any type of traumatic event, she is there to emotionally support our students and staff,” Little explained. “You have someone that’s going through some grief, and Georgia doesn’t judge. She sits with you and lets you deal with your issues quietly.”

Recognizing the importance of Georgia’s work, the local Co-op has stepped in to sponsor her food, which ensures Georgia remains allergy-free. “Supporting Georgia by feeding her is helping the kids. They are getting a kind look, touch and attention they might need. She just makes the kids happy when she is around them,” store manager Brad Childress said.

You don’t have to be a member to shop the Co-op. Everyone from farmers to gardeners, pet owners or anyone looking for a gift for a loved one is welcome.

“Most folks in town don’t know what the Co-op has to offer, and we want to change this,” Childress added. “It’s important to us to build relationships in the community with customers and potential customers. We are trying to reach a broader customer base now with the urban sprawl.”

The partnership is something Little believes would not have been possible had she asked a big box store. She appreciates the more personal interactions she and Georgia receive when visiting the Co-op.

Conservation, Community and the Co-ops

Down in Central Alabama, another Co-op manager across is working to foster a sense of community and conservation.

“Growing up on a farm and all my life hunting and fishing, it’s a favorite pastime,” explained Tim Wood, General Manager of Central Alabama Farmers Cooperative. “A lot of my memories, family events have all been encapsulated by being in the outdoors. A large portion of what we do here at Central Alabama Farmers Co-op, has to do with the outdoors, with the sporting goods division, the feed divisions and with the apparel. It’s important not only to me personally, but it’s also very important to our business.”

His passion for the outdoors is pushing efforts to revitalize a local “unusable” marina, making it a hub for fishing tournaments and outdoor recreation. “Every generation is getting further and further away from the land,” Wood observed. “We need to get people back into enjoying what we have done for so many years.”

Working with the Alabama Wildlife Federation, local cookoff committees and state funding, Wood helped plan the successful dredging of the marina, installed new docks and created a gathering space for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. “It was a project that encompassed the whole community,” Wood explained. “This will be great for the economy in Selma, in Dallas County, in central Alabama.” 

Doing Good in the Community

From providing essential supplies to supporting emergency services and conservation projects, AFC Member Co-ops across Alabama, parts of Southern Tennessee and North Florida are more than just stores. They are community lifelines, embodying the principle that meaningful work extends beyond business transactions.

In the small towns where the Co-ops are located, the connection between business, service and community is inseparable. Whether it’s ensuring customers have what they need when they need it, responding to a crisis or preserving outdoor spaces, the people behind these efforts cultivate something truly invaluable—a meaningful life for all.

The work of these stores and their managers truly highlight the Co-op’s mission: cultivating a meaningful life on and off the farm.

Selma Photo is courtesy of Billy Pope.