Madison Senior Center chooses to help ShowerUp for fundraiser

MADISON – The choice for the 2025 Christmas fundraiser at Madison Senior Center will allow people to reclaim their dignity…and seize a glimmer of hope, too.

During October and November, the senior center is focusing its giving efforts in a partnership with ShowerUp Huntsville, a non-profit organization that serves individuals experiencing homelessness and anyone in need of a mobile shower, laundry, hygiene resources and personal care.

“You all are incredible!” Program Coordinator Rachael Burrus said about center members. “The ShowerUp fundraiser at Madison Senior Center has kicked off with an amazing start, thanks to the incredible generosity of our community.”

Center members and the public can drop donations in a collection box at the front desk. “Monetary gifts allow ShowerUp to purchase necessary supplies in bulk. See a staff member at the center to make a financial contribution,” Burrus said.

“Every contribution – no matter the size – helps us make a real difference in the lives of our community members,” Burrus said. “Let’s spread the true spirit of Christmas by giving warmth and hope to those who need it most.”

The types of donations that ShowerUp needs are men’s boxer briefs, size medium; men’s deodorant; travel-size conditioner; men and women’s socks and razors; insect repellant; wash clothes; and packs of plain T-shirts. ShowerUp accepts only new and unused items.

With ShowerUp, each person is guaranteed a hot shower; the hot water comes from tankless water heaters fueled by propane. ShowerUp’s custom-made mobile shower units have evolved over time and use new technology for improvements.

Inside the ShowerUp mobile shower units, guests will find private, comfortable “shower suites” with a clean shower and sink with plenty of hot water and whatever the person needs to Shower Up.

Paul and Rhonda Schmitz co-founded ShowerUp in Nashville, Tenn., the current location of the organization’s headquarters.

At ShowerUp’s first event, dozens of people wanted showers; the response was tremendous. The very first shower was for a man named Kenneth. He had gone 49 days without a shower. He was so relieved to get a clean, private, hot shower.

Eventually, Kenneth got a job and secured a place to live.

ShowerUp, a non-profit 501(c)3 charity, receives support with gifts and donations of individuals, families, businesses, churches and “anyone who wants to Shower Grace, Hope and Love,” according to showerup.org.

Madison Senior Center’s address is 1329 Brown’s Ferry Road in Madison Community Center. For more information, call 256-774-4413, email seniorcenterinfo@ madisonal.gov or visit madisonal. gov or Facebook.