Ahhh the holidays…..the time of year when we eat too much, spend too much, celebrate a little too often and have fun doing it! I know I love the holidays.
Well, except maybe the part where I drag myself to the stores scarily close to Christmas Eve, wade my way through the picked over toy selection, then head home and stay up all night wrapping gifts. Or the part when the UPS driver fails to deliver the MUST HAVE toy that was #1 on the list.
Nope, don’t love that part and I’m willing to bet that isn’t your fave part of the season either. But yes, in general we enjoy sharing our good feelings and good fortune with loved ones and yes, that is part of what the season is about.
And then there is the other part of the holidays. The part when I remember how many people, including children, do not spend time eating too much, spending too much or enjoying loved ones.
Is it because they hate the holidays?
Nope, it’s because they don’t have enough. . .of anything. There’s just no way to dress that statement up in tinsel and make it sound nice.
There are thousands of families, right here in DFW, who simply do not have enough money to put food on the table or provide even a single toy for their children.
Which is why, every year, either on my own, or through my mother’s club, I donate food and toys to local families in need. Whether it be through the local food banks, your church or even the community in which you live, there are tons of ways to give back to someone who is not as fortunate; someone who may not even be able to have a decent meal on Thanksgiving or Christmas, let alone dealing with massive amounts of leftovers.
This year, really get into the mood by sharing with others, others who have so little and for whom a meal means so much. It’s so easy to do, and there are a ton of amazing organizations gearing up for holiday season 2014 and they need your help!
This is only a few of the many amazing groups working to fill bellies and grant wishes in Dallas this holiday season. Check out the list below and find a location nearest you:
North Texas Food Bank
One of the largest organizations helping the poor in North Texas. You can decide to start your own food drive or donate food through NTFB.
Helping Hands Rockwall County
The main provider of social services in Rockwall County for over 30 years. They run a continuous food pantry throughout the year and beef up services during the holidays.
Jewish Family Service, Greater Dallas
They accept various types of food and supplies for families in need.
The Salvation Army DFW
They operate 12 food pantries in the metroplex and they also have the amazing Angel Tree program, which fulfilled the Christmas wishes of nearly 60K people in DFW last year.
Cross Family Center – Catholic Charities
Not only do they have a year-round food pantry but they also run a Christmas Distribution program.
DFW Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots is an absolute go-to if you can’t find another toy drive. Host an event, donate new toys or volunteer time for this awesome non-profit.
Community Partners of Dallas
For over 25 years this group has been granting wishes to abused and neglected kids in Dallas. This non-profit runs programs like Rainbow Room, Kids in Crisis and The Heart Program.
Do you know of other food and toy drives happening around DFW this holiday season?
Share with us in the comments!
MedSpring Urgent Care in Knox Park is partnering with the North Texas Food Bank to host a food drive at its center from November 14 – December 31st. Located right off 75 at the Knox – Henderson exit, it may be easier to bring food donations to MedSpring vs. NTFB. Plus, we’re open every day (yep, weekends too!) from 9 am – 9 pm = more convenient to drop food off!
Tori,
Thank you so much for sharing! Let’s get the word out!
Cheers,
Gabby