Donating to an accredited organization or event can enhance a person’s vacation. Whether donating money, goods or time, any help is welcome to help those in need.

The Food Bank of East Alabama, Outstanding Foundation of East Alabama, and Toy Drive of Auburn City are a few local charities one can donate to in the Auburn area to make a positive impact.

The East Alabama Food Bank

The mission of the East Alabama Food Bank is to nourish lives and end hunger. It occurs in seven counties in east-central Alabama.

The food bank partners with hundreds of agencies, such as soup kitchens, food pantries, rehabilitation centers and churches, to distribute food donations to hungry people throughout the year and during the holidays.

In addition to cash and non-perishable foods, hygienic products such as toilet paper and baby wipes are also needed.

In the seven counties served by the food bank, approximately 53,000 people are in need of food. Every dollar donated equals seven meals for people experiencing food insecurity.

Donations and volunteer opportunities can be found on the East Alabama Food Bank website. website and will also be accepted at the food bank at 355 Industry Drive.

Collectible barrels can be found throughout the community this fall through the Beat Bama’s Food Gatheringan organization dedicated to fighting hunger and the University of Alabama.

Kegs are also located at Krogers in Auburn and Opelika throughout the year.

“(The food bank is) only possible because of the support of the community. We are very fortunate to live in an area where I have really found that when people hear of a need, they respond to it,” said said Martha Henk, Executive Director. from the East Alabama Food Bank.

The food bank distributed more than 5.8 million pounds of food last year, largely thanks to the help of the Auburn community.

The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama

Founded on Christian principles, the Outstanding Foundation of East Alabama is a nonprofit organization serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities beyond secondary education.

Founded in Auburn by four mothers of children with Down syndrome, Blessings on the Plains was originally a nonprofit organization for people with developmental disabilities. She affiliated with The Exceptional Foundation in Birmingham in 2016. The East Alabama branch officially opened in 2017.

The Exceptional Foundation provides social, recreational and educational opportunities to its participants Monday through Thursday, teaching them independence and self-reliance in a community atmosphere.

The foundation also participates in various opportunities like the Special Olympics, a competitive and community organization based on different sporting events for people with intellectual disabilities.

“We are so grateful for our donations and our community has been amazing. Lee County in general, and Auburn in particular, have done so much for us, and we couldn’t do it without them,” said Drew Speakman, executive director of The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama.