Donation Drive Launched in Birmingham to Aid Hurricane Helene Victims
Birmingham, Ala. – The City of Birmingham has announced a donation drive aimed at supporting those affected by Hurricane Helene. This initiative, which kicked off earlier this week, will continue through Thursday, October 10. Residents are encouraged to contribute items at the Christian Service Mission, located at 3600 Third Ave. South, during the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., from Monday to Thursday.
What to Donate
While the city is enthusiastic about community involvement, they have specified certain items they are seeking. Citizens can donate items such as:
- Non-perishable food items
- Personal hygiene products
- First-aid supplies
- Baby supplies, including diapers and formula
- Cleaning supplies
However, the city is requesting that residents refrain from donating blankets and clothes during this drive. Organizers are focused on collecting essential items that can provide immediate relief to those affected by the hurricane.
Volunteer Opportunities
In addition to donations, Birmingham is also looking for volunteers to assist with the logistics of the drive. Specifically, they need help to unload items from cars as they arrive. For those who may not be able to lift heavy items, there is still a role to play; volunteers are welcomed to greet donors as they drop off their contributions.
Don Lupo, the operations manager at Christian Service Mission, expressed a heartfelt sentiment about the drive, stating, “We get told that we’re blessing so many people. In truth, we’re the ones that get blessed.” He emphasized the importance of community support during trying times and remarked that the effort reflects the city’s character, which is fundamentally about putting people first.
Goals and Community Impact
The goal of this donation drive is to gather as many truckloads of supplies as possible to send to impacted areas in the north. Lupo highlighted the significant impact that community-driven efforts can have, stating, “When you do this time after time and you help communities – there’s no bigger blessing than doing that and what you receive.” This reflects a strong sense of unity and compassion present in Birmingham, a sentiment that has been echoed by many community members.
How to Get Involved
If you are interested in donating or volunteering, make sure to take advantage of the time remaining in the drive. The collection at Christian Service Mission runs until the deadline of Thursday, October 10. Whether it’s a few canned goods or a pack of diapers, every little bit can make a difference in someone’s life.
In a world where natural disasters can disrupt lives in an instant, Birmingham stands as a testament to the power of community action, unity, and support. As residents rally together to help those in need, it’s clear that the spirit of giving is alive and well in our beautiful city.
