Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Holiday volunteering: Bham businesses are giving back this season + how you can join in
Reading time: 5 minutes
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The holidays may feel like they’re all about good food and time with family, but they’re also an important reminder to think about those who could use a little extra support.
In Birmingham, United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) connects people and businesses with local organizations supporting families, seniors and communities.
Here’s a look at how you can pitch in this season, and how two Birmingham businesses make giving back a team effort.
How to help Birmingham communities during the holidays
From local companies like Brasfield & Gorrie to individuals looking to lend a hand, everyone has a role in making Birmingham better. (United Way of Central Alabama)
For many local families and seniors, a little help during the holidays can make a big difference. It’s also one of the busiest times of the year for organizations to meet those needs.
Through programs like Meals on Wheels and volunteer opportunities coordinated by United Way Hands On, UWCA provides meaningful ways for individuals and businesses to support their communities. Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious meals and friendly connections to homebound older adults in Jefferson County, with volunteer drivers playing an essential role in making those deliveries possible.
In 2025, volunteers contributed nearly 20,000 hours of service through UWCA’s Meals on Wheels program, helping older adults across Jefferson County stay nourished and connected.
The best news: There are several ways to support their work, whether you volunteer your time, organize a food drive with coworkers or make a donation.
Meals on Wheels also needs volunteers to help prepare and deliver meals. See how you can get involved.
Why Shipt employees love to give back in Birmingham
If you’re like me, you know Shipt for bringing your groceries and other household items right to your doorstep. You may even consider a few of your shoppers BFFs after all the grocery runs they’ve made for you. But there’s another side to the Birmingham-based company: giving its employees opportunities to support local causes close to their hearts.
“Volunteering provides our team members with a wide variety of opportunities to live out our values outside the walls of Shipt. We believe service and connection start from within, and we love giving team members the time and space to support the missions they care about most.”
Bianca Smoke, Director of Corporate Communications, Shipt
One way Shipt employees put that time to use is by volunteering with Meals on Wheels through United Way of Central Alabama, something Smoke said means just as much to the volunteers as to the seniors receiving meals.
“We know there are many seniors whose only interaction on a given day might be with a Shipt shopper delivering their groceries, or in this case, a volunteer delivering a meal. It’s a beautiful blend to be able to carry that element of human connection not just in our business but also through service.”
Bianca Smoke, Director of Corporate Communications, Shipt
How Brasfield & Gorrie brings employees together to give back in Birmingham
Through its partnership with United Way of Central Alabama, Birmingham-based construction firm Brasfield & Gorrie employees have participated in hands-on service projects that strengthen the communities where they live and work.
“Building strong communities is central to our culture and purpose, and we pride ourselves on giving back to our local communities. Central Alabama is where many of our teammates live, work and raise their families, so investing in it is personal.
We believe that when we cheerfully give our time, talents and financial resources, we can make a lasting difference, and it’s even more powerful when we get to do it together as a team.”
Trey Clegg, Executive VP of Corporate Affairs, Brasfield & Gorrie
Volunteering with United Way of Central Alabama means a variety of opportunities, whether delivering food or painting. (Brasfield & Gorrie)
Working alongside UWCA’s Meals on Wheels program, Brasfield & Gorrie employees have volunteered to help provide nutritious meals and meaningful support to seniors throughout the community.
“We, Not Me is the first of our company’s 7 Commitments. By supporting UWCA, we get to live out that commitment together, not just as a team, but as neighbors in the place we call home.”
Trey Clegg, Executive VP of Corporate Affairs, Brasfield & Gorrie
Find ways to give back in Birmingham
Giving back doesn’t mean you have to organize a big volunteer event or make a huge donation. Sometimes giving back can be as simple as offering a few hours of your time or finding a way to get your coworkers involved.
If you’re looking for ideas, here are a few ways to get started:
Connect with UWCA to find volunteer opportunities for yourself, your family or your organization and give back this holiday season.
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