Community Fundraiser Lights Autauga Creek, Supporting Family Support Center Services

The Family Support Center’s Christmas Tree Trail, presented by International Paper, opened along Autauga Creek in downtown Prattville on Dec. 22, 2025. Dozens of trees decorated by businesses and community organizations lined Main Street and the Creekwalk, forming a seasonal attraction intended to draw shoppers and visitors to the heart of the city while raising funds for the Family Support Center and its services.

The trail was part of the downtown holiday offerings and provided an accessible way for residents to support local sponsors and the nonprofit without a large ticket barrier. Organizers encouraged passersby to stroll the Creekwalk, view the decorations, and consider donations or sponsorships to sustain the Center’s work. For many small businesses the installation offered increased foot traffic during a critical retail period, reinforcing economic ties between Main Street merchants and community wellbeing.

Beyond the festive atmosphere, the event has public health and social equity implications. Community fundraising supports services that help vulnerable families and individuals, and events that bring people together can reduce social isolation and strengthen informal support networks. At the same time seasonal gatherings require attention to safety and accessibility so that benefits are shared equitably. Local health officials and nonprofit leaders increasingly point to the need to plan for crowd management, ADA access, and accommodations for older residents and caregivers attending outdoor events.

The trail also illustrates how private sector partnerships play a role in sustaining community services. International Paper’s presentation and the visible participation of local organizations demonstrated a model of civic engagement that leverages downtown space for charitable fundraising. That relationship between businesses and nonprofits matters for long term service stability, particularly in communities where public funding is limited.

As Prattville moves into the new year, the tree trail offers a reminder that holiday events can do more than celebrate. They can mobilize resources, spotlight local needs, and create connections that support public health and social services year round. Residents who attended contributed to a visible demonstration of local solidarity and helped underwrite the Family Support Center’s ongoing efforts to serve the community.