Special to The Times
The Birmingham City Council will once again present its Classic Giving Back project in conjunction with the 75th Annual Magic City Classic game.
Last year, an outpouring of generosity resulted in a large number of goods donated by local residents and Magic City Classic attendees. The City Council facilitated deliveries to the YWCA, Pathways, Jessie’s Place and First Light for the first “Classic Giving Back” initiative.
“The Magic City Classic offers a lot to our city through tourism, hotel lodging, restaurant patronage, entertainment and shopping expenditures,” said Council President Johnathan Austin. “However, during this time the City of Birmingham is using its voice and platform to encourage neighbors and visitors to give back to people in need, which in turn provides resources to charitable organizations and relief to individuals on the receiving end.”
The food & clothing drop-off times are Wednesday, Oct. 26 and Thursday, Oct. 27 at Legion Field from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (behind Tabernacle Baptist Church on Center Street West).
The Council is asking for donations of new and gently worn coats, gloves, hats, etc. along with non-perishable food items. These items will be delivered on Friday, Oct. 28th to local organizations that serve battered women and their children as well as shelters that serve homeless men, women and families. The food items will be given to community food banks.
Yolanda Sullivan, CEO of YWCA Central Alabama, said, “The clothing and household items donated to the YWCA were a tremendous help to the domestic violence victims we serve. Many of the women and children fleeing abusive homes arrive at our shelter with just the clothes on their backs. Knowing that their basic needs will be met is such a comfort to our clients and gives them confidence to start again.”
This is the second year that the Birmingham City Council has collected donations for shelters citywide. Councilors expect this year to be even bigger as they collectively work with the community to help those in need.
For additional information contact the Birmingham City Council Public Information Director Brittany Sharp at 205.721.5369 or brittany.sharp@birminghamal.gov.
