This holiday season, as you shop for the special people in your life, we ask you to consider adding The Arc to your list. For the hundreds of individuals without family, the magic of the holidays would not be possible without the generosity of community members like you. You can be a part of the indescribable joy that gifts under the tree bring to the people we serve.

The Arc of Central Alabama is a place to call home for over 260 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ranging in age from 12-82. Sadly, 75% of our residents do not have an active family member or caregiver in their lives. More than 70 community-integrated homes make up The Arc’s Residential Program, providing necessities like food, wellness items, clothing, transportation and more, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Arc homes also provide the important intangibles of life like security, comfort, dignity, and relationships that many of us take for granted.

How It Works

How does Gifts For All work? 

  1. Wish lists are gathered from Arc-supported homes, where each person we serve shares a little about themselves along with their needs and holiday wishes.
  2. Santa’s elves collect the forms at our Crestwood workshop and organize the information for supporters like you.
  3. Generous donors select a person to support, shop from their personalized list, and return unwrapped gifts to the designated drop-off locations listed on our website by the deadline.
  4. Once gifts are returned, they are organized and wrapped by Santa’s volunteer elves, then delivered to each home in time for Christmas morning.

How You Can Help

Support an Individual
Choose a person we serve and shop from their personalized wish list to help make their holiday special. Shop and return all gifts unwrapped to one of the designated drop-off locations listed under the FAQ tab by December 5, 2025. Your generosity helps ensure every individual receives both essentials and something they truly enjoy.

Volunteer to Wrap Gifts
Join us during our wrapping week to help prepare and package gifts for delivery to Arc homes. Santa’s elves will be hard at work at our Crestwood Campus Monday, December 8 through Friday, December 12, and we would love to have you be part of the fun. Sign up here! 

Gifts for All FAQs

Gifts for All FAQs 

Where do I return unwrapped gifts?

The Arc’s Crestwood Campus – 6001 Crestwood Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35212

Harbin Pharmacy (Crestline) – 57 Church St, Mountain Brook, AL 35213

The Arc’s Blount County Day Program – 615 Fairground Avenue, Oneonta, AL 35121

How do I identify my person when gifts are returned?

Simply print off your person’s info and place along with all gifts in one large bag (preferably a tied trash bag).

What are some common items that individuals need?

Through Gifts for All, we work to ensure every person we serve receives essentials like clothing, pajamas, socks, and personal care items. We also include something that reflects their interests or hobbies, so each gift feels personal, meaningful, and fun. If you have specific questions about the individual you are supporting, please reach out to development@arcofcentralalabama.org and our team will be happy to assist.

What are some most-wanted items?
While every wish list is unique, there are a few items we see requested most often. These include: tablets, radios or Bluetooth speakers with preprogrammed music or audio books, bedroom decor, Hobbies and interest items such as sports gear.

Is there a set amount I am supposed to spend on gifts? 

There is no set amount when purchasing items from your person’s list. We just appreciate your generosity during this season! However, to give donors an example, we suggest 7-10 gifts per person.

Are there other ways I can help The Arc Residential Program this Christmas? 

Make a monetary donation on our Donation Page to help us cover costs for every person-served!

Questions & Comments

We look forward to hearing from you!

Email angels@arcofcentralalabama.org and one of Santa’s elves will get back to you soon!