Avilla LaOtto Charity Group, Inc. (ALCG) is rooted in a long tradition of neighbors helping neighbors. What began as a simple act of kindness in the 1970s has grown into a thriving nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families in need throughout the Avilla and LaOtto communities.

The organization first started as the Avilla Christmas Bureau, founded by a local couple who saw a need to help families during the Christmas season. Over the years, the program continued under the care of various individuals and organizations, each committed to ensuring that no local family went without during the holidays.

In 2016, when The Ark of Avilla Church was no longer able to operate the program, the Avilla Chamber of Commerce stepped in to keep the mission alive. Although charitable assistance did not fall within the Chamber’s original charter, the need in the community was too important to ignore. The program was renamed Avilla Christmas Charities and expanded to serve families in both Avilla and LaOtto.

Recognizing the continued growth and the need for a dedicated charitable organization, the Chamber formally established Avilla LaOtto Charity Group, Inc. as an independent nonprofit. ALCG was registered with the Secretary of State on March 10, 2023, and was officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service on September 18, 2023.

As community support grew, so did the impact. Donations increased significantly, and the number of families served nearly tripled. What was once a Christmas-only program for Avilla residents, has now expanded to include Thanksgiving assistance and support for families across both communities.

Today, Avilla LaOtto Charity Group, Inc. continues to build on its strong foundation of community compassion and support. In addition to holiday assistance, plans are underway to expand programs that provide other areas of support for individuals and families, ensuring help is available not just during the holidays, but at other times in life when it is needed most.