The end of 2025 is fast-approaching, which means so are the holidays. A time of love, reflection, festivities, and generosity. We often forget that we can be generous by just showing up, but it’s true. This year, if you’re able, consider lending a hand and giving back to the city of Hoover, the city that loves you back.
Courtesy of Grace Klein Community
Papa J's Workshop -2
Volunteers from the Grace Klein Community set up clothing items to be distributed to attendees of Papa J's Workshop. This year, Papa J's will take place at Asbury United Methodist Church.
Grace Klein Community, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing relief for disadvantaged and underprivileged, holds an annual workshop that directly helps struggling families fund Christmas gifts for their children. During the holidays, families in need can fill out an application to be sponsored and volunteer families are able to give what they can. There are always more applications than volunteers, and if you or anyone you know is able, please consider sponsoring a family to help them give their child or children an unforgettable Holiday season.
The families that are not able to be sponsored within that year are invited to Papa J’s Workshop at Asbury United Methodist Church, where there are toys, clothing, food, and essential items to be taken home for free. There is also a children’s area during the event where mothers or fathers can leave their kids while they collect the things they need. Last year, through both sponsorships and Papa J’s Workshop, over 1,000 children were given a fond Christmas memory that they wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Ho Ho Hoover - Hoover Helps
Ho Ho Hoover, an annual fundraiser held by Hoover Helps, will take place in December again this year! Proceeds from this event will go to children within the Hoover City Schools system who may struggle to have their needs met in the absence of school meals around the holidays.
Courtesy of Ho Ho Hoover
Ho Ho Hoover
Community organizations, like the Hoover Belles, come together to support Hoover Helps.
According to the Hoover Helps website, there are 1 in 4 children in Alabama and 1 in 6 children in Jefferson County that are food insecure, and donating to Hoover Helps or attending their events can directly help kids in need. Tickets for Ho Ho Hoover can be purchased from hooverhelps.org when they become available, and the exact date for Ho Ho Hoover will be available in the coming weeks.
Hoover Fire Department Toy Drive
Annually, the Hoover Fire Department, alongside other Fire Departments in the area, accepts toy donations to be given to the children of deployed soldiers on Christmas Eve. This effort is coordinated by the Alabama National Guard. All Hoover Fire stations participate, and ask that you bring new, unwrapped toys to your nearest station at your convenience. This will begin in early November and last through mid-December. Help them make a kid’s dreams come true like they have been doing for over 20 years!
Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program
The Salvation Army, an international organization that provides food, shelter, and financial aid to people in need, annually holds a “Gifts For Kids Angel Tree Program.” According to their website, this program provides a way for anyone to donate Christmas gifts to foster children and children in need throughout the holiday season. You can purchase gifts directly or make a financial donation to The Salvation Army Greater Birmingham Area Command. Donations will be used to buy clothing, toys, and gifts for children participating in the Angel Tree program. To learn more information, please visit the Salvation Army website.