By Sym Posey | For The Birmingham Times
The McCoy Adult Daycare Center will host its 24th Annual Rock-a-Thon on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at First United Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Birmingham.
The free event, open to the public, will feature games, light exercise, and songs performed by local gospel artists and groups. Organizers say the Rock-a-Thon is designed not only to bring the community together for fellowship and fun, but also to raise awareness about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Britney Coates, executive director of McCoy Adult Daycare Center, said the annual fundraiser plays a vital role in supporting families who care for loved ones diagnosed with memory-related illnesses.
“We service senior citizens who are diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s,” Coates said. “This fundraiser is to raise awareness about dementia and Alzheimer’s because there is a need. A lot of people don’t know that services are available for their loved ones.”
Founded in 1963, the center was originally located on Eighth Avenue across from Birmingham-Southern College before relocating to the Five Points West area. The daycare center is currently housed inside First United Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
According to Coates, the Rock-a-Thon centers around participants spending time in rocking chairs to help raise funds for the facility. The proceeds help provide financial assistance for families in need.
“The purpose of the event is for people to rock in rocking chairs to raise money for the facility so caregivers can receive scholarships for their clients,” Coates explained.
McCoy Adult Daycare Center operates as a self-pay facility, with services ranging from $50 per day. Seniors attend from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., receiving structured activities and care in a supportive environment.
Through a partnership with Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama, families may qualify for financial assistance. Individuals who are formally diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s may receive scholarships of up to $300 to help cover daycare fees, Coates said.
“If someone is formally diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s, they can be granted a scholarship to help meet their daycare fees,” she said. “We partner with Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama to help make that happen.”
Beyond financial assistance, Coates emphasized the importance of education and early awareness.
“It would be more helpful for families to understand how to identify symptoms of Alzheimer’s and symptoms of dementia — what to look for and how to prepare for difficult times,” she said. “There are levels to dementia as well as levels to Alzheimer’s.”
Coates encourages community members to attend Saturday’s Rock-a-Thon to learn more about available resources, support local families, and show solidarity with those impacted by memory loss.
“This is a really big event for us, and we just want to get it out there for people to come,” Coates said.
For more information, visit McCoy Adult Daycare Center.
