Giving Back this Holiday Season
As we approach Thanksgiving, where we collectively give thanks, and proceed to the gift-giving time of year, Dallas City Homes would like to offer some ways to give back locally in the Dallas community. This can be a joyous time of year or a really challenging time of year as food prices soar, rents are unstable, and the pressure to provide mounts. Many organizations and programs are available to help manage finances in the face of a giant spending holiday and assist those unable to give gifts this holiday season. Let’s help Dallas celebrate the season by supporting our neighbors and coming together as a community.
Dallas Thanksgiving Food Drives
In the wake of the pandemic as jobs were uncertain and inflation on the rise, food insecurity soared. According to the USDA in 2021, 53 million people turned to food banks and community programs for food, and 9 million children reported hunger insecurity. We can do something about this as a community. If you are like many who do not have the time to collect food or volunteer, Feed America is linked above and is an excellent organization working to end food insecurity in the US. Only $1 can provide ten meals to families in need, donate today
Food banks are critical resources year-round, but especially for those who need support during the holiday season. Dallas Center Food Bank accepts donations Tuesdays between 4-6. To access this food bank, go to Dallas Center United Methodist Church, 1504 Walnut – enter the doors West of the main entrance. Upcoming Mobile Food Pantry dates at the Presbyterian Church, 4-5:30 pm - May 4, and July 6. Free nonperishable groceries for anyone in need.
Tarrant Area Food Bank services 13 counties and only $10 can deliver 50 meals to those that are in need. You can register to volunteer at Tarrant, donate food, or donate monetarily. This food bank was founded in 1982 and delivers over 60,000,000 annually. It is the primary source of donated food for hunger relief charities and serves 1,000,000 meals a week.
From November 21-24, Operation Turkey is hosting Turkey Tailgates with hundreds of smoked birds by G Texas Catering and Dallas Fort Worth Catering. This is a nationally organized and locally sponsored event that will feed thousands on the different cates. To see dates and locations click the link above.
Dallas Toy Drives
This is a time of year when dreams can be realized. The gift of giving and taking care of our community is a lesson that cannot be overstated and what we teach our children during the holidays can be some of the most important lessons year-round. Here are various ways to show the community and our families how important community is.
Community Partners of Dallas Toy Drives
Community Partners of Dallas Toy Drive offers a number of ways listed below to donate or fulfill a holiday wish. Linked above there are also toy ideas for children of any age.
Sponsor. Business Sponsorships
Fill Wishes. Fulfill specific holiday wishes of a child
Organize your own toy drive (virtual or in-person). Host an undesignated drive to collect new toys or purchase toys from the online toy store.
Utilize a virtual fundraising page. Receive a customized donation link so that your company or group can participate collectively to an online drive.
Donate. Make a monetary donation to the Toy Drive.
Toys for Tots is a Marine-run campaign that serves the Dallas Fort Worth area and has delivered nearly half a million toys and supported nearly 250,000 children. Every child deserves a little Holiday Joy. To volunteer and donate, click the link above.
Local Churches and Worship Center Drives
Looking to donate closer to home? If you are new to the area or are looking to make a closer connection, many local churches organize toy and food drives. It is a great way to meet your neighbors and connect with community leaders. We have linked a map of places of worship in Dallas here.
Giving the gift of housing
Should you also want to become more involved in problem-solving housing this holiday season, giving to Dallas City Homes is completely tax deductible. We work to create housing that is more equitable, diverse, and affordable, donate here, and learn more about Dallas City Homes.