June 17, 2025
COMMUNITY ACTION LAUNCHES THE COMMON GROUND CHRISTMAS MARKET
Rainsville, AL – The holidays can be a magical time, but for many families, they can also be stressful, especially when finances are tight. That’s why the Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama (CAANEAL) is introducing something special: the Common Ground Christmas Market. A program that transforms community service into gifts for children.
Instead of purchasing presents with money, parents and caregivers will have the chance to earn gifts for their children (ages 0–18) by volunteering their time in the community.
How Does It Work? Apply Online: Families living in DeKalb County can fill out a simple application at www.caaneal.org. Volunteer Hours: Once accepted, families are invited to complete volunteer hours through CAANEAL. Earn Your Shopping Experience: Each family’s volunteer time earns them access to the Christmas Market, where they’ll be able to “shop” for new, wrapped toys and essential items for their children, without spending a dime. It’s a great way to support parents while celebrating the spirit of giving.
The Christmas Market will be stocked with a wide variety of gifts for kids of all ages, from babies to teenagers. The goal is to make sure no child feels left out during the holidays, and every parent walks away with dignity and hope.
This program wouldn’t be possible without the amazing local businesses and organizations that stepped up to help from the very beginning. Special thanks go to: Peoples Independent Bank and Johnson Lumber Company. Their early support helped bring this vision to life.
If you live in DeKalb County and want to take part in the program, visit www.caaneal.org or call (256) 638-4430 Ext. 113, to apply today.
Want to volunteer, donate, or help us expand this program to even more families? Head to our website to get involved!
About Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama (CAANEAL):
CAANEAL is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families to break the cycle of poverty. CAANEAL offers a variety of services, including energy assistance, housing programs, financial education, and more, to help individuals in Blount, Cherokee, DeKalb, Jackson, Jefferson, Marshall, and St. Clair counties. For more information about the agency and its programs, please visit www.caaneal.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.