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Hoover honors Sandlin Foundation; founders pledge local philanthropy and annual 'Sandlin Award'

Hoover City Council · December 23, 2025

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Summary

The council proclaimed Dwight and Sandy Sandlin for launching the Sandlin Foundation for Kids in Kindness, which the founders said has raised roughly $1.5 million and committed about $725,000 to ten local charities serving Hoover children; the mayor announced a partnership to create an annual Sandlin award at Aldridge Gardens.

The Hoover City Council presented a proclamation to Dwight and Sandy Sandlin recognizing the Sandlin Foundation for Kids in Kindness and announced a city partnership with the foundation and Aldridge Gardens for an annual Sandlin award.

Dwight Sandlin, accepting the proclamation, described the foundation's work and partners. "What we're doing is make Hoover a city of kindness," he said, and told the council the foundation had raised about $1,500,000 and distributed or committed roughly $725,000 to local charities that serve children and families.

Sandlin listed ten community partners cited in the proclamation, including Hoover Helps, the Hoover City School Foundation, the Hoover YMCA, Family Connections, Joyful Noise, Libby's Friends and Addie's Big Army. He described programs ranging from backpack food distributions ("Each Friday, they pack over 500 backpacks") to communication devices for nonverbal children and support for terminally ill children through Magic Moments.

Mayor Nicholas C. Dersis said the city would partner with the Sandlin Foundation and Aldridge Gardens on an annual event to honor local volunteers and civic contributors, with a physical plaque at Aldridge Gardens and a yearly award.

The council and foundation representatives also recognized additional community donors and business partners who have contributed to the foundation's early efforts, and asked residents to watch for program developments in 2026.

The council presented two other proclamations earlier in the meeting: one honoring local actor Blake Cameron James for achievements in film and television, and another recognizing Rotimi Kukaya for earning a Rhodes Scholarship.