On Friday, November 7th, VOA Southeast hosted its 2025 Season of Caring Partner Gratitude Luncheon at the VOA Southeast Ministry Building—an afternoon filled with appreciation, inspiration, and community connection.
More than 20 church and community partners came together with VOA Southeast staff to celebrate the impact of this long-standing ministry and to prepare for another season of giving. Now in its 36th year, Season of Caring and 10 Caring Gifts, a partnership with WALA Fox 10, continues to unite our community in compassion—linking donors, partners, and volunteers to help families experience the joy and hope of the holidays.
Reflections of Impact
The luncheon’s highlight was a powerful time of reflection, where church partners and VOA Southeast program leaders shared heartfelt stories about how Season of Caring and 10 Caring Gifts has touched lives in meaningful ways. Each story reflected the same truth: when our community comes together in faith and service, lives are changed.
Church partners like Rev. Alfred Goodwin with Warmwood Baptist Church, a partner for more than 30 years, spoke about the difference the donations make in their rural communities—places where needs are great and resources limited. VOA Southeast team members echoed that same gratitude, describing how donated items bring comfort, dignity, and hope to the people they serve every day.
Led by Pastor Henry “Digger” Creel, this time of sharing captured the heart of the Season of Caring: compassion in action, powered by community and faith.
Celebrating Our Partners
This year’s luncheon recognized 21 church and community partners who help distribute donations collected through the Season of Caring and 10 Caring Gifts campaign. Each partner plays a vital role in ensuring that toys, food, coats, baby bundles, and other essentials reach those who need them most.
A Spirit of Gratitude
The program opened with a warm welcome from Rob Rogers, President and CEO of VOA Southeast, who expressed heartfelt appreciation for the partnerships that make this work possible. He shared that last year’s campaign served 6,340 individuals, distributed over 16,000 gifts, and generated more than $173,000 in donated value—a true testament to what can be accomplished when compassion is shared.
Following his remarks, Chaplain James Jones offered a moving prayer of gratitude, giving thanks for the lives touched through this ministry and asking for continued strength and unity in the work ahead. His words set a reverent and hopeful tone for the afternoon.
Looking Ahead: 10 Caring Gifts Begins
The celebration also marked the beginning of this year’s 10 Caring Gifts campaign, which officially kicks off Monday, November 10, with the toy drive at Mercedes-Benz of Mobile. From now through the holidays, VOA Southeast and WALA Fox 10 alongside corporate partners, Mercedes of Mobile and Greer’s, will collect toys and food to bring joy and hope to families across the region.
Join the Season of Caring
VOA Southeast invites everyone to join in the spirit of giving. Whether donating toys, organizing a drive, or sharing stories of hope, every act of kindness makes a difference.
Learn more about how you can support the Season of Caring and 10 Caring Gifts at Celebrate a Season of Caring | VOA Southeast
