I’m not sure how it happened, but it is already November, and the holidays are quickly approaching. In light of this fact, The ELM Foundation and The City of Huntsville’s Community Development Department hosted a Community Holiday Giving meeting last week. Social service agencies, nonprofits, organizations, and churches were invited to attend. Our goal was to gather, inform, and coordinate holiday giving so our community can come together to address actual needs, avoid duplicating efforts, and identify possible gaps in giving. In our sharing, we found numerous groups will be providing resources for children and winter needs for the unsheltered.

Do you know who else needs assistance? The elderly and intellectually disabled in Madison County who are served by Enable Madison County, Friends, Inc, TARCOG, and 8th Street Community to name a few. These individuals seldom get their wish lists fulfilled, which may include items such as clothing, slippers, blankets, sheets and other personal or household items. Additionally, local animal adoption agencies such as New Leash on Life, Rocket City Rescue and others struggle to house, care for and feed the puppies and kitties in Madison County.

THIS SEASON I invite you to help fill the NEEDS in our community! Below is just a sampling of our community holiday giving programs shared in last week’s meeting. If you are looking to show some love this holiday, please consider supporting these programs or reach out to your favorite agency and ask about their specific needs. That's my plan!