7 WAYS TO SERVE OTHERS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON IN MOBILE
Photo courtesy of American Lunch
This year has been especially difficult for our neighbors with food malnourishment. The pandemic and loss of jobs in our area have greatly increased the demand for food pantries. Volunteers are needed in large numbers to keep up with the demand and also to replace some of our elderly who are not able to volunteer. The recent hurricanes in our area have also made it especially hard for a lot of us to get back on our feet.
Some of us have a lot to be thankful for this season and many of us are looking for ways that we can give back. There are dozens of non-profit organizations in Mobile that serve and protect our neighbors during the holiday season. This is a short list of places you can help volunteer or donate today.
Feeding the Gulf Coast
Feeding the Gulf Coast’s vision is to see a hunger free Gulf Coast. They are responsible for suppling millions of meals each year through food banks, church pantries and other non profit organizations. Their No Kid Hungry campaign nourishes children through Afterschool Meal programs, Backpack Programs, and Summer Meals Programs. Volunteers are especially needed this time of year and leading up to Christmas they’re in need of many canned and boxed items such as stuffing, yams, sweet peas, corn, mac and cheese and mashed potatoes.
To donate a monetary amount, text FRIENDS to 68-405.
Waterfront Rescue Mission
Waterfront Rescue Mission, located in Downtown Mobile, will provide thousands of meals to the hungry and homeless this holiday season. Donations like large or bulk canned goods are in high demand this time of year. Gloves and warm weather attire are also needed to shelter the homeless. In addition to feeding our malnourished neighbors, they also are active in helping the homeless get jobs, keep jobs and find housing.
Food Pantry at Central
The Food Pantry at Central is located at Central Presbyterian Church in Midtown Mobile. Central has already fed over 600 families this month. Over 100 families were turned away due to a short supply of food. Food donations are in high demand not just during the holidays but year-round as they serve food every Tuesday. Volunteers to serve are also needed.
Family Promise of Coastal Alabama
Family Promise of Coastal Alabama has been actively supplying thousands of meals in our community. They also provide shelter for many, and rides for those who need transportation. Non-perishable food items are in high demand. Cleaning supplies are greatly needed to continue the great work they are doing. Volunteers are needed if you have skills such as tutoring, janitorial, or child care.
One Meal Mobile
One Meal Mobile is actively serving hundreds of meals each week. Funds have been hit hard the since pandemic and monetary donations are needed. Large canned goods are needed. Wild game meat and fish, perishables and non-perishables. In addition to food, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, ziploc bags, styrofoam cups and plates, trash bags are in high demand. They have an upcoming Christmas Toy Drive that you can sponsor a child in need this season.
American Lunch
American Lunch serves free lunch year-round out of a food truck in Downtown Mobile. If you have eaten at Five, Chuck’s Fish or El Papi then a portion of your check was already donated back to American Lunch. Along with other partner restaurants, monetary donations are needed to continue providing relief to those who need a hearty, free lunch.
Dumas Wesley Community Center
The Dumas Wesley Community Center has been vigilantly serving food since the Covid-19 pandemic with front porch food deliveries to at risk seniors in the community. They have also been supplying seniors with well checks and nutrition packets. In addition to the 11,000 meals they have served since pandemic began, they have a host of after school program with tutoring that supply meals to hungry children in our area.