Make A Difference In Tuscaloosa: Where To Give Back This November

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Giving Tuesday falls on Dec. 1 this year, but you don't have to wait until then to make a difference close to home.

Throughout November, local nonprofits, food pantries, animal rescues, community organizations and other groups are looking for donations, volunteers and other forms of support. Whether you have a few hours to give, items to donate or simply want to support a local cause financially, there are plenty of ways to help.

Patch rounded up organizations and opportunities to give back in and around Tuscaloosa. Needs and volunteer opportunities can change, so check directly with each organization for the latest information.

Here are some ways to make a difference in Tuscaloosa this November:

West Alabama Food Bank

The West Alabama Food Bank, at 401 65th St., distributes food to agencies that serve people in need across nine West Alabama counties.

The University of Alabama’s 33rd annual Beat Auburn Beat Hunger drive for the food bank is under way. Donation barrels are placed around Tuscaloosa and Northport, and online giving is available. Each dollar donated equals about six meals, according to UA. The food bank also needs volunteers, and most roles require only a short commitment. Call (205) 333-5353 to schedule a shift, or email volunteer@westalabamafoodbank.org for groups.

Learn more about volunteering with the West Alabama Food Bank.

Temporary Emergency Services

Temporary Emergency Services, at 1705 15th St., helps people in crisis, including those experiencing homelessness, tornado victims, older adults and people with disabilities.

The organization accepts monetary donations, volunteers and donated goods, which can be dropped off at its donation center behind its thrift store. Its website lists canned goods, frozen meat, clothing, furniture and personal items. Sales at the thrift store help fund its services. Businesses, churches and neighborhoods can ask TES to bring a truck for donations.

Learn more about donating goods to Temporary Emergency Services.

Community Service Programs of West Alabama

Community Service Programs of West Alabama, at 601 Black Bears Way, runs programs that include Meals on Wheels, mobile food pantries and Head Start centers.

Volunteers can help with mobile food pantries, Meals on Wheels and Head Start. Applications are emailed to supportiveservices@cspwal.com or housingcounseling@cspwal.com. The agency also accepts food and tax-deductible financial donations.

Learn more about giving and volunteering with CSP.

Tuscaloosa’s One Place

Tuscaloosa’s One Place, at 810 27th Ave., is a family resource center that has served local families since 1999. It runs a monthly drive-thru mobile food pantry with the West Alabama Food Bank, which typically serves about 200 households.

Volunteers can join its contact list for outreach, mentorship and event support roles. Its most consistent donation needs are diapers, wipes, hygiene supplies, school supplies and household cleaning supplies. Email jmullenix@tuscaloosaoneplace.org to coordinate a supply drive.

Learn more about supporting Tuscaloosa’s One Place.

Humane Society of West Alabama

Founded in 1971, the Humane Society of West Alabama is a no-kill, all-volunteer rescue run on private donations. It has cat and dog adoption centers at 2430 36th St. in Northport, open by appointment.

Residents can donate through Venmo or by mail to P.O. Box 70054, Tuscaloosa, AL 35407. They can also buy items from the shelter’s wish list, which are sent directly to the shelter. To foster or volunteer at the cat and dog facilities, email info@humanesocietyofwa.org.

Learn more about helping the Humane Society of West Alabama.

Boys & Girls Clubs of West Alabama

Boys & Girls Clubs of West Alabama offers after-school and summer programs for ages 6 to 18 at four club locations.

Community members can give to its 2026 “All In for Kids” campaign, buy needed items from its Amazon wish list or volunteer through the club’s website.

Learn more about volunteering with Boys & Girls Clubs of West Alabama.

Habitat for Humanity Tuscaloosa

Habitat for Humanity Tuscaloosa builds and repairs homes with volunteers and runs the Tuscaloosa ReStore, at 504 14th St., which sells donated furniture, appliances and building materials to fund its work.

Volunteers can work on build days or in the ReStore. The ReStore also offers free pickup of donated items for residents in its service area.

Learn more about donating to the Tuscaloosa ReStore.

Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority

The Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority, known as PARA, runs the county’s parks and trails, including Hurricane Creek Park.

Volunteers can help keep parks clean, maintain trails, identify trees and plants, or coach youth sports. PARA says no work days are currently scheduled, but anyone can submit a volunteer application and will be contacted about future opportunities.

Learn more about volunteering with PARA.

This isn't an exhaustive list of organizations doing good work in and around Tuscaloosa. Donation needs, volunteer opportunities and hours can change, so check directly with an organization for the latest information before donating or volunteering.

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