How one toy drive is making a difference for children in Birmingham this Christmas

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Throughout the month of December, United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) partnered with Publix to host their annual Toy Drive that provides new, unwrapped toys for children in need across Birmingham. Keep reading to learn more!

How it works

The holiday season is the perfect time of year to give back to your community. What better way to celebrate than bringing a little magic into a child’s life?

Here’s how the “Pour on the Joy with Every Toy” program works:

• Publix stores throughout Jefferson and Shelby Counties collected toys for underserved children from December 9 through December 22.
• Local customers responded by giving thousands of toys.
• UWCA volunteers picked up the toys and distributed them to organizations all over the counties.
• From there, the toys will be distributed to their new homes for children to open on Christmas.

“Publix Super Markets is proud to partner with United Way of Central Alabama with this year’s toy drive. Thanks to our generous customers and associates for donating toys that help bring a happy holiday season to children and families in need. Publix and United Way are making a difference together.”

Brenda Reid, Community Relations Manager, Publix

Thousands of children will receive toys on Christmas

With the help of United Way of Central Alabama, organizations were identified to ensure the toys went to children in need.

One such program was the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department’s Operation Merry Christmas. Children of incarcerated inmates and children in public housing were chosen as special recipients of the Sheriff’s program. The Salvation Army and the Kiwanis Club of Vulcan were among many organizations receiving the toys.

UWCA is committed to making a difference in Birmingham + beyond

“We were pleased to partner with Publix and offer assistance in getting these toys to underserved children before Christmas. It is a partnership we look forward to each year”

Samuetta Nesbitt, Sr. VP Public Relations, United Way of Central Alabama

Although this year’s toy drive is over, UWCA is committed to helping those in need all year long through many nonprofits and charitable organizations such as the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Easterseals and more.

Want to get involved and volunteer with United Way? Visit their website to learn more.

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