Donating to an accredited organization or event can change a person’s holiday for the better. Whether it is giving money, possessions or time, any help is welcome for assisting those in need.
The Food Bank of East Alabama, The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama and Auburn City's Toy Drive are a few local charities that one can donate to in the Auburn area to make a positive impact.
The Food Bank of East Alabama
The Food Bank of East Alabama’s mission is to nourish lives and end hunger. It is present throughout seven counties in east central Alabama.
The food bank partners with hundreds of agencies, such as soup kitchens, food pantries, rehabilitation centers and churches, to distribute donated food to the hungry year-round and during the holidays.
In addition to money and non-perishable food, hygienic products such as toilet paper and baby wipes are also needed.
In the seven counties the food bank serves, about 53,000 people are in need of food. Every dollar donated equals seven meals for food-insecure individuals.
Donations and volunteer opportunities can be accessed on the Food Bank of East Alabama’s website and will also be accepted at the Food Bank's location at 355 Industry Drive.
Collection barrels can be found throughout the community this fall season thanks to the Beat Bama Food Drive, an organization dedicated to beating hunger and the University of Alabama.
Barrels are also located at Krogers in Auburn and Opelika throughout the year.
"[The food bank is] only possible because of community support. We’re very fortunate to live in an area where I really have found that when people hear of a need, they respond to it," said Martha Henk, the executive director of the Food Bank of East Alabama.
The food bank distributed over 5.8 million pounds of food last year, largely due to the help of the Auburn community.
The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama
Established with Christian principles, The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama is a non-profit organization serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities post-high school education.
Founded in Auburn by four mothers of children with Down syndrome, “Blessings on the Plains” was originally a non-profit for developmentally disabled individuals. It became affiliated with The Exceptional Foundation in Birmingham in 2016. The East Alabama branch officially opened its doors in 2017.
The Exceptional Foundation provides social, recreational and educational opportunities for their participants from Monday through Thursday, teaching them independence and self-reliance in a community-driven atmosphere.
The foundation also participates in various opportunities like the Special Olympics, a competitive and community-driven organization based around different athletic events for people with intellectual disabilities.
“We’re so thankful for our donations, and our community has been amazing. Lee County in general, and especially Auburn, they have done so much for us, and we couldn’t do it without them," said Drew Speakman, the executive director of The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama.
Donations, volunteer opportunities and applications for the program are all available online.
Their next event, "Meg's Market," will be held on Dec. 5 and 6. Hand-crafted pottery created by individuals enrolled in the programs will be available for purchase. More information can be found on their website under “events.”
Auburn Toy Drive
The Auburn Toy Drive is an annual event hosted by the Auburn Police Department and was created for underprivileged kids. It is in its 50th year.
The Toy Drive will bring holiday cheer to over 100 children by providing brand-new toys donated by the public.
“I think everybody deserves to have a good Christmas. The best part about Christmas is never getting the gifts. It’s giving the gifts,” said Lieutenant Kevin Freeze, who is involved with the police department’s community outreach program.
Donations can be dropped off at the Dean Road Recreation Center at 307 South Dean Road on Dec. 14 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Volunteer applications for the Auburn Toy Drive can be accessed on the City of Auburn's webpage.
In affiliation with the city’s Toy Drive, the Auburn-Opelika Running and Track Association is hosting a 10K, 5K and a mile run on Dec. 14 starting at 8 a.m. Entry fees range from $20 to $40. Runners are encouraged to bring a present for the Toy Drive.
Registration ends Dec. 10 at 11:59 p.m. and can be accessed on their website.
“The holiday [season], for me, is about the spirit of charity," Freeze said.
The spirit of charity changes people’s lives and turns their festive seasons into something special. Through kindness, everyone can experience a joyous season.
Donations go a long way, no matter how big or small. Auburn community members can consider donating to one of these three organizations and events to make someone's holiday just a little bit brighter.
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Sam Bainter, freshman in English language arts education, is a culture writer for The Auburn Plainsman.
