Spirit 94.3 and Hello Huntsville continue HLI Class 42 tradition with community-wide effort Feb. 24–25
The 3rd Annual Share the Love Senior Citizen Donation Drive will return Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 24–25, continuing a community tradition that supports senior citizens across Huntsville and Walker County.
The donation drive, originally launched three years ago as a class project by Huntsville Leadership Institute Class 42, has grown into an annual effort embraced by local media and business leaders. Hello Huntsville has carried the torch the past two years, working alongside Spirit 94.3 this year to present the event and ensure its continued impact.
Donations will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days at the loading dock of the Family Life Center at First Baptist Church Huntsville, 1229 Ave. J. Curbside drop-off will be available to make giving simple and convenient.
Collected items will be delivered directly to residents at Parkview Place Apartments and the Senior Villages of Huntsville. Remaining items will be distributed through the Senior Center of Walker County.
Organizers are encouraging the community to donate everyday essentials that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of local seniors. Items needed include paper towels, toilet paper, adult bed pads, adult Depends, body wash, shampoo, lotion, hand sanitizer, deodorant, cleansing wipes, lip balm, nail clippers, denture adhesive, toothpaste, toothbrushes, laundry soap, tissues, activity books, non-slip socks and cleaning supplies.
“This started as a leadership class project, but it quickly became something much bigger than that,” said Rob Hipp, owner and publisher of Hello Huntsville and one of the organizers helping coordinate this year’s effort. “Our senior citizens built this community. The least we can do is come together once a year and make sure they have some of the basic essentials and comforts they deserve. It’s a simple way to show love in a tangible way.”
Hipp said the event reflects the heart of Huntsville and Walker County.
“When businesses, churches and neighbors all rally around one cause, it reminds you what makes this place special,” he said. “We’re not just collecting items. We’re delivering encouragement.”
The drive is sponsored by Elliott’s Jewelers, Walker County Federal Credit Union, First Baptist Church Huntsville, Tomorrow’s Promise Montessori Schools, Moak & Moak Attorneys at Law and Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home.
Organizers say the need continues to grow as many seniors live on fixed incomes and face rising costs for everyday necessities. Community members are encouraged to print and share event information, gather donations from coworkers or small groups and stop by during the two-day collection period.
For organizers, the goal remains clear: keep the tradition started by HLI Class 42 alive and ensure local seniors feel seen, valued and supported.
Residents wishing to participate can drop off donations Feb. 24 or Feb. 25 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Family Life Center loading dock at First Baptist Church Huntsville.
