The holiday season is finally upon us. It’s filled with delicious food, good cheer with loved ones, nostalgic traditions, and special memories. For many, this season is merry and bright, but others find this season more difficult. Consider giving back to your Christmas list this year. We’ve curated a list of eight places where you can donate your time or resources to make this season a “Merry Christmas” for all.

Food Bank of North Alabama

Ending hunger is the mission of the Food Bank of North Alabama. This food bank aims to bring immediate aid to families in need. Based in Huntsville, they provide many opportunities for you and your family to support others this holiday season and every season. Hosting a food drive and food donations are a couple of ways you can do so. Join the fight to end hunger in your community.

Kids to Love

The Kids to Love Foundation provides children in foster care with toys they can call their own. This foundation is based in Madison, Alabama, and has many ways the community can help, such as donations, volunteering your time, and holding toy drives. Start checking off these children’s Christmas lists by giving back to the Kids to Love Foundation.

Salvation Army: Coastal Alabama

The Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama’s goal is to brighten thousands of people’s Christmas. The Salvation Army provides a large amount of volunteer opportunities for you and your family. These volunteer opportunities concentrate on helping families in crisis, serving veterans, providing disaster relief, and providing resources for families in-need.

The Community Kitchen of Birmingham

The Community Kitchen is actively serving its community 365 days a year. Based in Birmingham, this non-profit organization has served meals to tens of thousands of people and offers food to all. Gather friends and family to volunteer your time by serving food to those in Birmingham or donate funds to help support The Community Kitchen of Birmingham’s food stock.

Montgomery Area Food Bank

The Montgomery food bank aims to gather nutritious foods to give to several counties in the area. Last year over 26 million pounds of food were distributed to those in need. Wouldn’t it be great if this year that number exceeded that? Fight to end hunger by donating food; volunteering time to bag, box, and sort food; or hosting a food drive to impact your community.

United Way of Central Alabama Inc.

United Way of Central Alabama Inc. believes that everyone should have the opportunity for a good life. They focus on four categories—education, financial stability, health, and services—and distribute resources to local nonprofits. This holiday season, get involved by donating, advocating, and volunteering to help better the lives of those in your community.

Pathways

Pathways is an organization that focuses on empowering women (and children) experiencing homelessness by providing hospitality, hope, and housing. Based in Birmingham, this organization needs your help to impact these women’s and children’s lives. A wishlist is found on their website that emphasizes their needs. Check off items on the wishlist or volunteer your time.

Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter

Even animals need love this Christmas. Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter’s vision is to get community involvement to improve animal welfare. Donating funds to provide medical resources to each animal or volunteering your time are two simple ways to give back, but there is one more: add a new furry friend to your family this Christmas by adopting. You and your family can provide a dog or cat with a new home.

This holiday season spread some Christmas joy by giving back to your community. One small act can have a lasting impact on the people, and even animals, in your area.