Best Places In DFW To Give Back This Holiday
The holidays are a special time that remind us of the many blessings we have received. It's time to give back to those less fortunate around the DFW area. Consider getting involved with one of these organizations that are determined to spread holiday cheer this year.
The Stewpot
1835 Young St.
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 746-2785 ext. 320
www.thestewpot.org
Started in 1975 by an associate pastor at First Presbyterian Church, this soup kitchen now serves as a resource center for those at risk and facing homelessness. The Stewpot provides over 500,000 meals every year utilizing the assistance of 1,200 volunteers. This helping hand offers those in need the ability to rebuild their lives by providing meals (40,000 a month) as well as teaching ESL and other life skill classes. Group volunteering as well as individual volunteer services, like art class assistant, computer lab instructor, hygiene product distributor or organizer of off-site collections, are available. Morning, afternoon and evening volunteer opportunities exist and all volunteers must pre-register by calling the number above. Off-site opportunities would be to create a Stewpot Holiday Box for the Homeless. A fun, gift-giving opportunity is great to do with children. You take a two-part shoebox (one with a separate lid from the base) and wrap them separately in holiday paper. Then you fill the box with inexpensive, yet useful times like tube socks, lip balm, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, lotion, disposable stick razors, a plastic poncho, travel-sized tissue, pens, pencils, stationery with postage stamps, a knit hat and knit gloves, etc.
SoupMobile
3017 Commerce St.
Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 655-6396
www.soupmobile.org
SoupMobile helps feed and shelter the homeless in the Dallas area. In its first year, SoupMobile served 5,000 meals. Now, celebrating its 10th year, SoupMobile serves over 200,000 meals a year and has given hope and a helping hand to those in serious need. From sandwich making and cookie packing, to food serving, supply delivery and office assistance, there are a variety of ways people can help. The annual Celebrate Jesus event (which treats area homeless to new clothes and a Christmas Eve dinner with all the trimmings) requires 2,000 volunteers in order to be successful. If you are tight on time but still want to help, you can always donate clothing and household items, like kitchen appliances, electronics, furniture and knick knacks to the SoupMobile Thrift Store at 5542 Maple Ave. Dallas, Texas 75235, (214) 819-0570.
North Texas Food Bank
4500 S. Cockrell Hill Road
Dallas, TX 75236
(214) 330-1396
www.ntfb.org
There are a vast number of volunteer opportunities at the North Texas Food Bank. The NTFB not only provides access to 62 million meals annually in North Texas, but also provides educational and self-esteem building experiences. Annually, over 31,000 volunteers work in various aspects and 600 volunteers every week help through the food distribution center, special events, cooking matters, administrative projects, food for families program, social services outreach, community gardening and school pantries. Organizations and individuals are welcomed.
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital For Children
2222 Welborn St.
Dallas, TX 75219
(214) 559-5000
www.tsrhc.org
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital For Children (TSRHC) has morning and evening volunteer opportunities in over 65 departments throughout the hospital. The TSRHC utilizes over 800 volunteers in different capacities from office help and tour guides to craft and children's library assistance as well as retail services and clinical assistance. All volunteers must go through an application and interview process. Volunteers range from 14 to 95 years of age.
Denton Animal Shelter
300 S. Woodrow Lane
Denton, TX 76205
(940) 349-7594
www.cityofdenton.com
The shelter would love for you to adopt a dog or cat, but if you are unable to provide a home for a furry friend, you can always assist by giving items to help make the animals more comfortable during their stay. The shelter is always in need of towels, small blankets, newspapers, clay cat litter, Dawn dish liquid, tennis balls, washable rubber/plastic dog and cat toys, wand-type interactive cat toys, quality canned wet and dry dog food and dry and minced-style wet cat food.
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Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and
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