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Fox 11 Community Cares Expands to Year-Round Support

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. mmunity-cares-expands-to-year-round-support.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, February 25th 2026 at 4:23 GMT by Fox 11 News
      Locales: Tennessee, UNITED STATES

MADISON COUNTY, Ala. - February 25th, 2026 - What began as a seasonal initiative, Fox 11 Community Cares, is undergoing a significant expansion, evolving into a year-round program dedicated to providing consistent support to families facing hardship in Madison County and surrounding areas. For years, the program has been synonymous with holiday cheer, delivering much-needed assistance during the winter months. However, recognizing that need exists 365 days a year, Fox 11 and its dedicated partners are restructuring to address the ongoing challenges of poverty and food insecurity within the local community.

Originally focused on brightening the holidays, Fox 11 Community Cares swiftly became a cornerstone of seasonal giving. Each year, generous viewers and corporate sponsors rallied to provide gifts, meals, and essential items to families struggling to make ends meet. This initial success highlighted a deep-seated need - and a powerful community desire to help. While the holiday drive will remain a vital component, the expanded program aims to move beyond temporary relief and toward sustainable support.

The driving force behind this change is a growing awareness of the complexities of poverty. Recent data released by the Alabama Department of Human Resources indicates a concerning rise in food insecurity across Madison County, with a particularly sharp increase amongst families with young children. The economic fallout from recent global events, coupled with rising inflation and stagnant wages, has created a perfect storm for many, pushing them to the brink.

"We've always been committed to serving our community," states Eleanor Vance, Fox 11 News Director and lead organizer of Community Cares. "But we realized that simply providing assistance during the holidays wasn't enough. Families are struggling every day. They need help with food, housing, job training, and access to essential resources. This expansion allows us to be a consistent partner in their journey toward self-sufficiency."

The new, year-round program will focus on several key areas. Firstly, a substantial increase in food bank support will ensure a consistent supply of nutritious meals for those in need. Fox 11 is partnering with the Huntsville Area Food Bank and smaller local pantries to distribute resources effectively. Secondly, the program will establish a "Skills for Success" initiative, offering job training workshops and resume-building assistance, in collaboration with local vocational schools and businesses. This component will be crucial in empowering individuals to secure stable employment and break the cycle of poverty.

Furthermore, recognizing the importance of affordable housing, Fox 11 Community Cares is exploring partnerships with non-profit organizations specializing in housing assistance and eviction prevention. This will include providing emergency rental assistance and advocating for policies that promote affordable housing options within the community.

The success of the expanded program hinges on continued community support. Fox 11 is actively seeking both monetary donations and volunteer participation. Individuals can contribute financially through the dedicated website ([ https://fox11online.com/community-cares/ ]), and businesses are encouraged to become corporate sponsors. Volunteer opportunities will range from food sorting and distribution to mentoring program participants and assisting with job search workshops.

"The response we've received so far has been incredible," Vance adds. "People genuinely want to make a difference, and they see that Fox 11 Community Cares is a transparent and effective way to do so. Every dollar donated goes directly to supporting our neighbors in need, and every volunteer hour helps us reach more families."

The long-term vision for Fox 11 Community Cares is to create a network of support that empowers individuals and families to thrive, not just survive. By addressing the root causes of poverty and providing access to essential resources, the program aims to build a stronger, more resilient community for all. The annual holiday drive will still take place, but now it will be complemented by a year-round commitment to lifting up those who need a helping hand. The program plans to release a full impact report annually, detailing funds raised, families assisted, and the overall progress made toward achieving its goals. Fox 11 encourages viewers to stay informed and get involved in this vital community initiative.