The Decatur community is one in which neighbors take pride in taking care of each other. It’s a true hallmark of our city and something worthy of celebrating. There’s no time better than the holidays to lean into that spirit of generosity, and for over 30 years, A Season of Giving has brought light and joy to the holidays for thousands of those in need around the City of Decatur.
“We think A Season of Giving officially started around the year 2000, but it had different names and shapes years before then”, says long-time volunteer and web specialist Beth Thompson. “Really, we don’t know exactly when or who started it. It has been an organic community project that has grown naturally over the years. The community really takes ownership of it.”
A true grassroots effort, A Season of Giving is a neighbor-to-neighbor endeavor led entirely by volunteers every holiday season to bring essential items and gifts to children and seniors in need around the City of Decatur. No for-profit efforts or corporate intentions are involved here; simply community members looking out for each other to make the holidays a little brighter.
“It’s just nice,” says Anna Summerlin, who helps run day-to-day operations for the organization. “I started volunteering as a bag checker and enjoyed meeting new people and giving back in a fun way. 20 years later, we have grown and expanded, but still share the same mission and communal connection.”
A Season of Giving has always partnered with local churches such as Decatur First United Methodist and Decatur Presbyterian, as well as legacy businesses like Brickstore Pub, to contribute to the cause. It’s a holistic community effort. “While we are always so grateful for our large sponsors, it's the sponsors who provide donations for 2 or 3 individuals every year that help us keep this going,” says Summerlin. “We couldn’t do what we do without support from all of our neighbors.”
In their decades of growth, A Season of Giving has worked its way up to serving more than 650 individuals each year. This year, they are on track to hit 600 sponsored children and seniors.
“We really want to meet a need, not just give people stuff,” says Summerlin. “We respect the recipients and their privacy. We just want to be good neighbors when someone reaches out.”
Essentials like clothing are chosen based on the size and preferences of the recipient, and specific requests are welcomed. Gifts include a book for every child, gift cards for middle and high schoolers, and special requests are honored as often as possible. “One of our seniors asks for a fruit cake every year, and we make sure he gets it. Those little gestures really make people feel seen.”
If you are looking for an opportunity to give back to the community around the holidays, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved with A Season of Giving. New sponsors are always welcome at any level. Volunteer opportunities are available to help pack and distribute gift bags, and monetary donations are always helpful to grow the cause and purchase additional items to donate.
“This is direct local action you can take to truly make an impact in your community and serve your neighbor in a simple, tangible way,” says Summerlin. “It’s real and in your neighborhood. This is about as grassroots as you can get.”
To learn more and find volunteer opportunities, visit aseasonofgiving.org.
"This is direct local action you can take to truly make an impact in your community and serve your neighbor in a simple, tangible way."