One of Our Favorite Traditions Is Almost Here
The holidays have a way of arriving all at once. Lights go up, calendars fill and familiar songs find their way back to the radio.
At VOA Southeast, the season also marks the return of one of our favorite traditions: Season of Caring.
Generosity Comes in Many Packages
Year after year, the kindness behind Season of Caring arrives in all kinds of ways.
Sometimes it looks like a new toy carried into a collection site. Sometimes it is a bag of pantry staples, a financial gift or a group of coworkers filling a donation box together. Often, it begins with one person deciding to help—and inviting someone else to join them.
Together, those individual acts of generosity become something much bigger.
Since 1989, VOA Southeast and FOX10 have worked with community partners to bring comfort and joy to children, families, veterans, older adults and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Last Year, You Made the Season Shine
This holiday season, VOA Southeast and WALA FOX10 will once again invite individuals, schools, churches and businesses to come together through the 10 Caring Gifts initiative. It is a chance to share toys, provide food and make the season brighter for neighbors throughout our community.
In 2025, the community donated 7,659 toys and 2,165 food items through Season of Caring. Together, those 9,824 items were valued at more than $164,000.
With support from more than 30 partner organizations and congregations, the campaign reached 4,046 people.
Those numbers tell an impressive story. The moments behind them tell an even better one: children opening gifts chosen especially for them, families gathering around the table and neighbors being reminded that their community sees them and cares.
Start Making Room for Joy
Soon, we will share everything you need to take part in this year’s Season of Caring, including:
- Campaign dates and donation deadlines
- Toy and food donation needs
- Community collection locations
- Opportunities for schools, churches and businesses
- Ways to support the campaign online
For now, consider this your invitation to start getting ready. Clear a little room on the calendar—and perhaps in the trunk.
Whether you give one toy, organize a collection or make a financial contribution, your generosity can become part of a joyful community effort.
Caring That Continues Beyond the Holidays
Season of Caring creates special moments during the holidays, but its impact reaches far beyond December.
Financial gifts help VOA Southeast provide housing, veterans services, programs for older adults, behavioral health care, workforce development and personalized support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They also strengthen services for children and families across Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi.
Each contribution helps VOA Southeast continue building healthier, more stable communities throughout the year.
Details Coming Soon
Season of Caring is coming—and so are more details about how you can participate.
Until then, spread the word, gather your people and get ready to share a little extra joy this holiday season.
We cannot wait to get started.