DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — Area service agencies met this week to share updates on upcoming holiday programs and resources, outlining needs for food, donations, volunteers and community support as the year comes to a close.
Toys for Tots representatives reminded partners that applications are due Nov. 20. Agencies were asked to submit their forms before Thanksgiving, with emergency sign-ups handled after Dec. 1.
Catholic Social Services reported operations are continuing as usual, focusing on providing food assistance to local families.
The Child Advocacy Center is collecting nonperishable meal items and monetary donations for families. Drop-off locations are at the CAC office and Elevate Medical.
The Christian Mission Center in Enterprise announced several upcoming events:
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A free AI class on Tuesday at the Highway 84 location
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The regular ASA meeting on Wednesday, 12–1 p.m., at a local church
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The annual resource fair next Thursday at the Enterprise Civic Center. Tables and chairs will be provided for agencies that participate.
Living Hope Community Center will host its annual Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving Day at 10:30 a.m. Meals will be served in to-go boxes and include a full traditional plate. The center is asking for volunteers to help fill and hand out meals and is also seeking volunteers for its clothes room on Thursdays.
Salvation Army reported that the Red Kettle Campaign kickoff will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. The agency is also selling Belk charity tickets for $5 each as part of its seasonal fundraising efforts.
Wiregrass Gives is conducting its Christmas Stocking Drive for underprivileged children. The group has enough stockings but needs donations of stocking-stuffer items and monetary support. Suggested donations are about $10 per stocking. Items should be small, nonperishable and individually wrapped.
Veterans Helping Veterans and Community is raising funds through food booths at the National Peanut Festival and at Cowboys in Dothan. The group has donated eight vehicles this year to veterans and their families. Donations of funds, vehicles and volunteer assistance are accepted.
Wiregrass Gives also noted it is conducting a turkey meal bag drive for November and looking for families in need of food support.
A double-amputee veteran in Slocomb is in need of a motorized wheelchair. Agencies are coordinating to locate one.
SARCOA (South Alabama Regional Council on Aging) launched its annual Santa for Seniors project Friday. The program serves homebound and low-income seniors through gift sponsorships. Case managers identify clients who complete wish lists, and community members can sponsor individuals through the SARCOA website.
Volunteers will assist with sorting, wrapping and deliveries in December. As of this week, about 20% of seniors have been sponsored, leaving approximately 360 remaining.
Legal Services Alabama continues to provide civil legal assistance and volunteer services in the Wiregrass area.
The Dothan Housing Authority reported no events scheduled for the remainder of the year but said it is planning 2025 community events and partnership coordination for residents.
Live HealthSmart Alabama, through UAB, will hold a community meeting next Thursday at Andrew Belle Recreation Center at 5:30 p.m., with dinner served before discussion begins at 5:45 p.m. The program is seeking input on health and community improvements.
SpectraCare representatives said they are continuing community mental-health services and announced a support group for family members and friends of individuals with addiction. Meetings are held the second and fourth Thursday of each month at the P.E.I.R. Building.
The Early Head Start Program through the local family service center is accepting applications for pregnant women and children up to age 3, with an income-based eligibility requirement.
ASA coalition officers said scholarship applications will reopen in January. The group may consider a membership dues increase in 2026 to maintain scholarships and annual awards. Agencies were asked to consider a $20 donation to support the coalition’s fund.
