The holiday season is upon us once again, and it brings a wonderful reminder of how much we have to be grateful for. While many of us will spend this time surrounded by warmth, family, and celebration, there are folks right here in our community won’t be as fortunate. The good news is, we can all lend a hand.
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Whether it’s donating food, sharing gifts, or volunteering your time, even small acts of kindness can brighten someone’s holiday.
To help you get involved, here’s your 2025 guide to places in the Montgomery area where you can volunteer or make meaningful donations:
🎁 The Salvation Army of Montgomery, AL
The Salvation Army continues to live out its mission that “we’re better together,” working year-round to serve the most vulnerable in our community. During the holidays, countless families struggle to afford meals or gifts for their children.
You can make the season brighter by:
🎄Donating to the “Give Joy” holiday program
📦Volunteering to help distribute gifts and holiday meal boxes
Your generosity can provide joy—and relief—to families who need it most.
Hope House is all about lifting up children and families in some of Montgomery’s most underserved neighborhoods. They pour their hearts into programs like after-school reading mentorship, community cleanups, and youth development—all designed to help kids grow and neighborhoods thrive. (hopehousemontgomery.org)
Ways to help:
- Volunteer as a Reading Buddy
- Donate supplies
- Join community events
🎄 HandsOn River Region
HandsOn River Region connects volunteers with those who need help most. One of their most well-loved efforts, the Christmas Clearinghouse Project, allows you to adopt a local family for the holidays.
You can give back by:
🎁Adopting a family and providing gifts or essential items
🧺Building a care basket of everyday necessities not covered by food stamps or public assistance
💵Making a monetary donation if you're short on time
Every contribution goes directly toward lifting up families right here at home.
Friendship Mission is dedicated to helping individuals experiencing homelessness gain stability and rebuild their lives. Volunteers and donors play a crucial role in their success.
You can support their mission by:
🎬Hosting a movie night or game-day meal
📝Teaching life skills such as time management or budgeting
📖Tutoring children or adults preparing for their GED
🎨Leading fun activities like bingo or craft sessions
🎁Donating essentials or gifts
Your compassion helps transform lives—and futures.
👵 Montgomery Area Council on Aging (MACOA)
MACOA serves seniors across the River Region, offering critical programs aimed at improving quality of life for older adults. Their hallmark program, Meals on Wheels, delivers hot, nutritious meals to over 400 seniors who can’t prepare their own food.
Beyond nutrition, volunteers provide:
💛Daily wellness checks
💬Friendly conversation and companionship
With over 200 seniors on the waiting list, MACOA urgently needs volunteers. Just a few hours a month can make an immeasurable difference.
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The Heart of Alabama Food Bank works daily to combat hunger in the River Region.
Their mission is simple but powerful: “To source, acquire, and distribute nutritious food to those experiencing hunger and food insecurity so families, seniors, and children can thrive.”
A single $1 donation provides five meals, making monetary contributions incredibly impactful. You can also volunteer to sort, pack, or distribute food to local partner agencies.
🏘️ Mid Alabama Coalition for the Homeless (MACH)
A nonprofit organization founded in 1996 to coordinate homelessness services across Montgomery, Autauga, Bullock, Lowndes, and Elmore counties in Alabama. Their mission is to “evaluate needs, facilitate solutions, and seek resources” to end homelessness in the River Region. MACH operates key programs like street outreach, housing assistance, and the required HUD‑designated Continuum of Care for their region. They envision a community in which everyone impacted by homelessness “lives fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares.
⭐ As has been our custom for 15 years or more, the Hat Team is proud to partner with MACH in collecting blankets, scarves, hats, coats and gloves.
Drop them off any day Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm at our office, 1067 Woodley Rd.
Tips for Maximizing Impact
⏰Give your time and skills: Monetary donations are powerful, but volunteering amplifies your impact and builds relationships.
👥Involve your community: Encourage your workplace, church, or friend group to host a drive or volunteer day.
🔁Stay consistent: Even small, recurring contributions (monthly or quarterly) help nonprofits budget and plan.
📣Spread the word: Share these organizations on social media, write letters, or bring them up in conversations — raising awareness matters.
🧡Final Thoughts
The holiday season is about gratitude, compassion, and community—and every act of giving creates a ripple of hope. Whether you donate, volunteer, or support these organizations in another way, you’re helping make Montgomery a brighter place this holiday season.
🏡If you’re also thinking about making a move this season or preparing for the new year, let me, Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re buying, selling, or doing both, we’re here to make your real estate journey smooth, stress-free, and successful.
📞 Call us today at 334-834-1500
🌐 Explore your options at: https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com
Let’s make this holiday season one of giving back and moving forward!
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