The joy of giving is a feeling that cannot be matched.
Sharing with those in need and supporting community are at the heart of the holidays. There are dozens of ways to contribute, through scholarships, sports, the arts, feeding the hungry and more. Here are the top ways to give in the University of Alabama at Birmingham community this holiday season, from helping grant little wishes to helping people live healthier lives.
Gifts for kids this holiday season
- More than 100 UAB families are registered who need help fulfilling their children’s wish lists. Sponsor a family through the annual Little Blazer Wishes program.
- For 30 years, the UAB Information Technology Toy Drive has collected new, unwrapped toys for children in need throughout the Birmingham metro area. Toys are donated by UAB IT to the United States Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots campaign. Donate via online registry and in-person collection boxes on campus. This year, toys will be collected through Dec. 12, with a host of events to get everyone in the giving spirit.
- Since 2011, UAB Hospital has partnered with the Salvation Army to become a contributor to its Angel Tree Program by encouraging employees to donate new unwrapped toys for children of all ages. Employees at all levels have provided hundreds of bicycles and toys for Birmingham-area children.
- UAB Men’s Basketball will host its second annual Teddy Bear Toss during halftime of its game against Southern Miss on Friday, Dec. 1. Fans who bring teddy bears or other stuffed animals will receive a $10 ticket at the gate. At halftime, fans can throw their teddy bears on to the court to be included in UAB IT’s Toy Drive for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots campaign. Santa Claus will meet with kids, take pictures and collect their letters on the concourse throughout the game, starting 60 minutes before tipoff. Visit UAB Sports online to buy tickets or for more information.
Give to others in need
- Help UAB support outreach to the community by giving to its on-campus food pantry, counseling clinic or student-run free medical clinic through UAB Giving.
- Support Arts in Medicine activities, and give patients, caregivers and staff at UAB and in the community an arts break with artists-in-residence, from storytelling and sewing to visual arts, writing, dance, movement and more, provided at no cost.
Honor or remember someone
- Dedicate a brick or name a seat in their honor at UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center.
- Support a scholarship fund, schools, colleges and units, or athletics.
- Donate in honor or memory of a loved one to support the missions of the UAB Arts Alliance — UAB’s Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts, Alys Stephens Center, ArtPlay Community Education and UAB Arts in Medicine — which provide the community with meaningful art experiences with the power to transform.