Designed to feel like an upscale shopping experience, the Family First Boutique offers TOP clients access to new, high-quality baby items—from clothing and blankets to books, toys and everyday essentials—at no cost. Clients shop using credits earned through participation in TOP programming, including parenting classes and personal goal achievement.

From left, Antoinette Ferguson, TOP Program Director: Healthy Families Tuscaloosa; Sallye Longshore, Director of the Children’s Trust Fund of Alabama; Lacey Reid, TOP Interim Senior Compliance Director of Programs; Kevin Besnoy, Executive Director of TOP; Danielle Kimbrough Spikes, JLT President; Chelsea Ratcliff, JLT President-Elect; and Jennifer Colburn, JLT Sustainer.

“Whether it’s picking out that first outfit to bring your baby home in, finding the perfect soft blanket, or choosing the first book you’ll read together—those moments matter,” said Danielle Kimbrough Spikes, president of the Junior League of Tuscaloosa. “As women and many of us as mothers, we understand how meaningful this season of life can be. The Family First Boutique was created to bring a sense of joy, dignity and normalcy to families who may be navigating added challenges, allowing them to focus on what matters most—welcoming their child.”

JLT sustainer members transformed a former vault space at TOP into a bright, welcoming boutique—reimagining what was once a place of storage into a space filled with care, comfort and new beginnings for families.

“Tuscaloosa’s One Place is honored that the Junior League of Tuscaloosa has created this space for us,” said Kevin Besnoy, executive director of TOP. “Since 1999, JLT has been a founding community partner, always there to support our mission of helping families move from crisis to stability through incentive-based programming that empowers families to be self-sufficient and to prevent child abuse and neglect. The ‘Family First Boutique’ is just the latest example of their commitment to strengthening the Tuscaloosa community.”

The boutique is the latest example of the long-standing partnership between JLT and TOP. As one of TOP’s founding organizations, the Junior League of Tuscaloosa has selected TOP as its 2025–2026 Centennial Community Partner, committing 100 volunteer hours and $20,000 in financial support over the year.

How to Support the Family First Boutique

Community members can support the boutique by donating new baby items with tags, making financial contributions, or volunteering.

About the Junior League of Tuscaloosa

The Junior League of Tuscaloosa, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. With more than 100 active members and over 200 total members, the Junior League of Tuscaloosa provides leadership training, education, and volunteer opportunities that empower women to make a lasting difference in West Alabama. To learn more, visit jltuscaloosa.org.

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TUSCALOOSA, AL — To empower women with the support they need to thrive as they balance so many roles and responsibilities, the Junior League of Tuscaloosa is hosting a free event Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hotel Capstone featuring community resources, networking and more.

Part resource fair, part networking event, the event will feature trusted local organizations that support women in every season of life, such as financial planning, parenting support, elder care, wellness and much more. There will be plenty of swag and surprises, a cash bar, snacks and the chance to meet other women and make new connections.

“A Night Out for Every Woman reflects our commitment to meeting women where they are,” said Junior League of Tuscaloosa President Danielle Kimbrough Spikes. “ Whether you’re navigating caregiving, career transitions, family life or personal well-being, this event is about creating space for connection, support and shared understanding — without any pressure or expectations.”

The event is inspired by Every Woman. All Things., a transformative initiative launched by The Association of Junior Leagues International to raise awareness about the mental overload women face and to start a much-needed global conversation about its causes and impact. It envisions a future where role expectations are managed, responsibilities are shared, mental well-being is prioritized, and women are empowered with the support and resources they need to thrive.

 A list of vendors and additional details will be shared on the Junior League of Tuscaloosa Facebook page.

About the Junior League of Tuscaloosa

The Junior League of Tuscaloosa, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. With more than 100 active and provisional members and over 200 total members, the Junior League of Tuscaloosa provides leadership training, education, and volunteer opportunities that empower women to make a lasting difference in West Alabama. To learn more, visit jltuscaloosa.org.

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Downtown Northport to Bloom with 5-Foot Eggs, Community Spirit, Activities and Springtime Fun

TUSCALOOSA, AL — This spring, downtown Northport will once again transform into a whimsical celebration of art, community and springtime cheer as the Junior League of Tuscaloosa hosts the 2026 Northport Bunny Trail Feb. 28-April 5.

The Bunny Trail will feature a collection of beautifully decorated 5-foot eggs, each designed and sponsored by local businesses, organizations and individuals.

“The Junior League of Tuscaloosa exists to train women to lead and serve with purpose. The Northport Bunny Trail is more than a beloved spring tradition — it’s a way for us to invest directly back into our community while strengthening the mission that drives us,” said Junior League of Tuscaloosa President Danielle Kimbrough Spikes. “Every dollar raised helps us continue developing women leaders and supporting our valued community partners that make West Alabama stronger.”

Throughout the trail dates, visitors can stroll through historic Downtown Northport to admire the colorful eggs, snap photos and enjoy a series of family friendly events that capture the spirit of the season. From festive openings to nighttime celebrations and even a pet-themed extravaganza, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as Northport hops into spring.

Bunny Trail Event Lineup

Bunny Trail Grand Opening | February 28, ribbon Cutting: 10 a.m., Gran Opening 10:30 a.m.-noon
Kick off the Bunny Trail season with a day full of egg-citement! Join us as we unveil the trail, enjoy family activities and meet the trail mascot, Dash. This festive opening sets the tone for a month of springtime fun in Downtown Northport.

Northport Bunny Trail After Dark | March 6, 5:30-8 p.m.
Experience the Bunny Trail in a whole new light! Enjoy a family friendly evening featuring live music, interactive activities and a variety of delicious food trucks. It’s the perfect way to make memories under the spring night sky.

Egg Hunt on the Bunny Trail | March 22, 2-4 p.m.
Gather your baskets and bring the whole family for a classic egg hunt adventure! Search for hidden treasures along the trail, meet Dash, and enjoy a morning filled with laughter, joy and community spirit.

Pet Eggstravaganza | March 29, 2-4 p.m.
Wrap up the Bunny Trail season with a celebration for our furry friends! Enjoy pet photos with the Easter Bunny, an “Eggtivities” art station, treat stops and local pet vendors. It’s a paw-some day of tail-wagging fun for all animal lovers.

Proceeds from the Northport Bunny Trail support JLT’s ongoing community programs and initiatives, ensuring that every dollar raised goes back into helping West Alabama thrive.

To learn more about the Bunny Trail, become a sponsor, or participate in events, visit northportbunnytrail.com or contact funddevelopment@jltuscaloosa.org.

About the Junior League of Tuscaloosa

The Junior League of Tuscaloosa, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. With more than 100 active members and over 200 total members, the Junior League of Tuscaloosa provides leadership training, education, and volunteer opportunities that empower women to make a lasting difference in West Alabama.

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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Junior League of Tuscaloosa will observe Find the Good Day, an initiative of the Association of Junior Leagues International, by hosting a community blood drive in partnership with the American Red Cross and the City of Northport. The event will take place on Thursday, Sept. 18, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Northport Civic Center inside City Hall.

Find the Good Day unites more than 290 Junior Leagues across the world in acts of kindness and service to strengthen local communities. This year, JLT is focusing on blood donation, a critical need across Alabama and the nation.

Urgent Need for Donors

• Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.
• Only 3% of eligible Americans donate each year, though nearly 62% are eligible.
• In Alabama, hospitals have recently reported supplies dropping below a two-day reserve, delaying patient care.

“Find the Good Day is about turning compassion into action,” said Danielle Kimbrough Spikes, President of the Junior League of Tuscaloosa. “Blood donation is one of the most immediate, impactful ways our community can save lives. By rolling up your sleeve, you are finding the good for someone in need right here in West Alabama.”

A Timely Connection: Sickle Cell Awareness Month

The September event also coincides with Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sickle cell disease affects about 100,000 Americans, including an estimated 5,000 Alabamians, many of whom rely on frequent blood transfusions. The disease disproportionately affects Black Americans, yet Black donors represent a small fraction of the nation’s blood supply.

For Junior League of Tuscaloosa member Jori Smith, who was diagnosed with sickle cell disease at just two weeks old, blood donation is more than a statistic — it’s life-saving. At age 13, she experienced a severe pain crisis and acute chest syndrome that required her first blood transfusion.

“The blood transfusion was the key element to turning my prognosis around for the better. I could almost instantly feel the improvement afterward,” Smith recalled.

Now the co-founder of the Sick of It Foundation, Smith advocates tirelessly for those living with sickle cell disease.

“I want people to understand how strong sickle cell warriors are,” she said. “We face so many obstacles in life, yet the strength we possess to persevere is something special.”

How to Participate

Community members are encouraged to sign up in advance online or walk in the day of the event. Donors are also invited to share their experience of finding the good on social media using #FindTheGoodDay and #JLTuscaloosa.

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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Junior League of Tuscaloosa, a prominent women’s organization devoted to nurturing leaders and fostering lasting impact in West Alabama, is poised for another transformative year with the announcement of its new leadership team for 2025-2026.

For nearly a century, JLT has been a training ground where women acquire the skills, confidence and connections necessary to lead in various spheres, including boardrooms, classrooms, nonprofits and civic spaces across the region.

The 2025-2026 Junior League of Tuscaloosa Board and Management Team includes:

• President: Danielle Kimbrough Spikes

• President Elect: Chelsea Ratcliff

• Executive Vice President: Kate Gundling

• Executive Vice President Elect: Mary K Schmitt

• Vice President of Finance/Treasurer: Paula Lopez

• Secretary: Estella Hare

• Nominating Committee Chair: Lauren Hope

• Sustainer Advisor: Jackie Wuska

• Members at Large: Jamelia Kelly and Chelsea Barton Kelly

• Assistant Treasurer: Michele Erdman

• Vice President of Administration: Karley Fernandez Conley

• Vice President of Communications: Laura Braddick

• Vice President of Fund Development: Donmonique Morgan

• Vice President of Membership: Raychel Davidson

This year, JLT will focus on strategic community partnerships and initiatives, including:

• Hosting the International Find the Good Day Community Blood Drive on Sept.18.

• Continuing its longstanding support for Holt Elementary School to enhance student success and school leadership.

• Organizing the annual Northport Bunny Trail in Spring 2026.

• Collaborating with nonprofits, business leaders and civic organizations to amplify community impact.

• Offering in-depth leadership and professional development programs for over 60 active members.

• Partnering with Tuscaloosa’s One Place, JLT’s centennial nonprofit partner organization of the year, as part of JLT’s countdown to celebrating 100 years of service and impact in 2029.

“As we embark on this League year, our mission is clear — to prepare women to lead with purpose, courage and vision,” said President Danielle Kimbrough Spikes. “The Junior League of Tuscaloosa is more than a service organization; we are a catalyst for leadership development. Our members are equipped to assume greater roles in the community and to drive meaningful, lasting change.

“Our members are decision-makers, innovators, and advocates,” she continued. “We are committed to moving beyond short-term volunteer projects to initiatives that build stronger systems and empower more people. That’s the legacy we are building in West Alabama.”

CONTACT: communciations@jltuscaloosa.org

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This initiative aligns with AJLI’s “Every Woman. All Things.” campaign, a new initiative that aims to restore balance and well-being in women’s lives by challenging the cultural norms of mental overload, burnout, and the pressure to do it all. “Every Woman. All Things.” focuses on key areas such as women and aging, shared responsibility and mental overload, caregiving, workplace and economic impact, and volunteering as personal agency. By addressing these areas, AJLI is working to equip women to reclaim their time, agency, and mental well-being.

With this grant funding, the Junior League of Tuscaloosa will pilot a program featuring a series of informative sessions covering essential topics such as becoming a caretaker, navigating widowhood or divorce, planning for a child’s educational future, and preparing for retirement. Our goal is to empower women by providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to manage these significant life responsibilities, ultimately easing the mental burden often associated with them. This work supports JLT’s mission to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.

Stay tuned for more details on the “Every Woman. All Things.” initiative and JLT’s upcoming events.

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The Junior League of Tuscaloosa proudly sponsored the Women’s Leadership Alliance of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama’s End-of-Year Celebration held last week at the Tuscaloosa River Market.

The event brought together business leaders, community leaders, elected officials and others to celebrate what Tuscaloosa-area women have accomplished in the last year.

Tracy Croom, the first female Finance Director and City Clerk for Tuscaloosa, who currently works for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, was the keynote speaker.The Women’s Leadership Alliance and JLT share similar missions and values, which are to empower women to reach their full potential and achieve their goals while making a difference in their community.

Read more about the event from WBRC.

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Women in West Alabama in need of emergency assistance will have access to necessary menstrual products thanks to the collective efforts of the Junior League of Tuscaloosa.

The Period Pantry drive, launched as an initiative of the International Find the Good Day, ran Sept. 19-Oct. 19. Donations were collected via bins placed at local businesses and organizations as well as online gift sites like Amazon and Walmart. Members also hosted a successful in-person drive at Piggly Wiggly in Alberta where neighbors shopping for groceries generously supported the cause.

By the Numbers:

• 340 product donations
• 127 monetary donations
• $2,806 total raised to combat period poverty

All donations went to Temporary Emergency Services, a community asset supporting families and individuals, which will distribute the products as needed.

JLT plans to continue supporting the Period Pantry as it adds to its existing community partners and service projects.

Thank You, Supporters!

Thank you to the following businesses and organizations that hosted donation bins and in-person drives:

• Alabama ONE Credit Union
• Northport City Hall
• Northport Pharmacy
• The House Tuscaloosa

Thanks as well to local media who helped spread the word about the program:

• ABC 33/40 and Talk of Alabama
• CBS-42
• The Tuscaloosa News
• Tuscaloosa Patch
• Tuscaloosa Thread
• WBRC Fox 6
• WVUA 23

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To support the Junior League of Tuscaloosa’s mission to spread positivity and community impact, the Northport City Council declared Sept. 19 International Find the Good Day.

The declaration was made at the regular council meeting on Sept. 9.

“International Find the Good Day is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the positive impact we can have when we come together as a community,” said JLT President Shanna McIntosh. “We are thrilled to see the City of Northport supporting this cause and encouraging residents to join us in fostering an environment of optimism and resilience.”

Started by the Association of Junior Leagues International, Find the Good Day is dedicated to finding the good in yourself, your community, and the world around you. It’s a movement that reflects the timeless spirit of Junior Leagues – a legacy of kindness, empowerment and community transformation. On the day, Leagues around the world encourage their members and community to find the good through a variety of activities and social media campaigns.

In celebration of this year’s Find the Good Day, JLT is launching a Period Pantry with a donation drive Sept. 19-Oct. 19 to collect menstrual products to support women in need in West Alabama. Donations will go to Temporary Emergency Services.

Support the Find the Good Day Period Pantry Drive

Community members can support this cause by:

• Donating products at a donation bin or online wish list.
• Making a monetary donation.
• Spreading the word!

Learn more about Find the Good Day and the Period Pantry.

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The Junior League of Tuscaloosa (JLT) is excited to announce its newest fundraiser and community event, Merry & Bright at the Bama Theatre. Enjoy Christmas classics, Elf and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, on December 17th in the newly renovated Bama Theatre.

The theatre will be decked out in holiday style and provide the perfect, historic venue for Tuscaloosa’s first, and hopefully annual, holiday film series. Concessions will be offered during both movies, with a specialty cocktail served at the 7 pm date night movie.

Here’s the lineup at the theater, 600 Greensboro Ave:

Saturday, Dec. 17, at 2 p.m., “Elf.”
Saturday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m., “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”

Ticket sales open on October 10th. Matinee tickets for Elf are $12 each and evening tickets for National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation are $15 each. All ticket sales benefit the Junior League of Tuscaloosa’s community partners including Holt Elementary School and Tuscaloosa angels.

Funds raised will also allow the JLT to provide a free field trip for all Holt Elementary School students to see Polar Express at the Bama Theatre ahead of Christmas break.

“The League has been exploring new ideas for raising necessary funds for women and children in Tuscaloosa while also adding value to our community with a new event. I have loved taking my own children to Birmingham to watch holiday movies over the years, and am so excited the League is bringing that experience to Tuscaloosa this year. For anyone who has been looking forward to seeing the newly renovated Bama Theatre, this is the perfect opportunity. We hope to make this an annual event that will expand and add to the Christmas fun of downtown Tuscaloosa already created by the Tinsel Trail and Holidays on the River,” said Elizabeth Hinson, JLT Executive Vice President.

Doors open one hour before showtime. Seating is general admission: first come, first served.

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