Special Feature
Is gift giving on your mind? Here are 14 great local ministries and non-profits to consider helping before year end and throughout 2024.
1. American Village- Help this nationally-pioneering classroom and American History and civics education center in Montevallo, Ala. continue to engage and inspire students in experience-based academic programs related to American history, civics and government. Visit www.americanvillage.org/donate to make a tax deductible donation and learn more.
2. Banks Academy- There are two ways you can partner with this n-denominational Christian school located in Huffman and help ensure the success of the school’s middle and high school students. Donate anytime at www.banksacademy.org/donate or give a student a scholarship with your Alabama State Income Tax dollars. Learn more at www.banksacademy.org/aaa-funds.
3. Brother Bryan Mission- Donations to the oldest mission in Birmingham directly support Brother Bryan’s work of serving the economically, emotionally, and spiritually impoverished men in the city. Donations can be a one-time or recurring gift. Learn more at www.bbmission.com/donate.
4. Blanket Fort Hope- Restoring child sex trafficking survivors is the heartbeat of Blanket Fort Hope. There are many ways to give. Learn more at www.blanketforthope.org/donate.
5. Choose Life Alabama- Support the cause of Choose Life Alabama- ensuring no unborn life is lost- by purchasing a Choose Life license plate. The funds gathered assist adoption agencies, pregnancy resource centers, and maternity homes. Donations are also accepted. Learn more at www.chooselifealabama.org/donate.
6. Daniel Cason Ministries- There are many ways to support this ministry that serves those living in the poorest communities in Birmingham. Host a food drive, volunteer at outreach events, and monetarily donate. Visit www.danielcason.org to find more details.
7. Foster Coalition- Focused on uniting advocates for foster care, Foster Coalition is a place for foster care collaboration to help support Alabama’s foster children. There are several ways to donate. Find details at www.fostercoalition.org/donate.
8. IMD Interactive- You can help this Birmingham-based non-profit spread the Word of God through video games. Donations help IMD Interactive with its priorities of development and distribution. Learn more at www.imdinteractive.org/donate.
9. Jimmie Hale Mission- Support the Mission in its efforts to provide lasting recovery from the root causes of homelessness by donating monetary gifts. There are also many volunteer roles to choose from. Learn more at www.jimmiehalemission.com.
10. Sav-A-Life- Dedicated to serving women and families experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, Sav-A-Life Crestwood, North Jefferson, and Vestavia provide free and confidential services, counseling, education, and support women to carry their babies to term. You can support this mission by donating financially or by donating your time through volunteering. Learn more at www.savalife.org.
11. Sav-A-Life Shelby- With the mission to develop a culture of life where abortion is unnecessary and undesirable in Shelby County while offering the hope of the gospel, Sav-A-Life Shelby accepts donations in a variety of forms including monetary and material (diapers, wipes, baby wash, etc.) donations. There are also many volunteer roles available. Visit www.savalifeshelby.org to learn more.
12. The Foundry- For more than 50 years, The Foundry has brought hope, healing, and restoration to those fighting addiction. Help them continue to provide faith-based substance abuse recovery by shopping at The Foundry Thrift Stores, donating, or volunteering. Visit www.foundryministries.com to find more details.
13. Vapor Ministries- With the vision to meet needs, feed souls, and elevate God, Vapor Ministries establishes sustainable centers for alleviating poverty and multiplying disciples in third-world environments. Support this mission by donating, shopping at Vapor Thrift stores in Vestavia, Greystone and Westover, sponsoring a child, and volunteering. Learn more at www.vaporministries.org.
14. The Learning Tree- For over 40 years, this non-profit has provided educational and residential programs and applied behavior analysis clinics for children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities, including those with autism. The Learning Tree offers services here in Birmingham and across the southeast. During the holiday season, your monetary donation to “Holiday Helping Hands” goes directly to providing Christmas gifts to The Learning Tree kids. Learn more at www.learning-tree.org. †
