by Danielle Leahy
Christmas is the season of love and what better way to show love for our fellow man than by giving your time and resources helping the less fortunate. There are numerous organizations, businesses, and groups raising money, gifts, and food for those in need. Today we will highlight five organizations throughout the DFW area focusing on the sick, the homeless, the elderly, children in need and the pets at the Dallas Animal Shelter.
The Angel Giving Tree/Salvation Army – Gifts for children in need
The Salvation Army has been collecting money for the homeless and less fortunate since the 1880’s. One of America’s most respected charity organizations The Salvation Army has Angel Trees located conveniently throughout Dallas in most area malls or online here. Simply fill out a few questions about the age/gender/location of the “angel” you would like to help this holiday season, then read the list of items they have requested. Donations may be dropped off at the malls or money can be sent online thru the JC Penny sponsored website.
Twilight Wish– Helping senior citizens make their final wishes come true
Twilight Wish is a wonderful national organization that helps grant senior citizens their final wish. From the heart-breaking simple, like a visit in the nursing home from a golden retriever to the outright hilarious such as one grandmother and longtime Pittsburgh Pirates fan wish to be visited by the Pirate’s Parrot mascot. This organization brings a much needed service to our nations elderly population. Donations are tax deductible and can be made on their website. You may also volunteer your time or services, as many requests involve simple handyman projects around the home. If you really want to get into the holiday spirit might we suggest browsing the summaries of the completed requests, but be warned — you are going to want to have some tissues close-by.
Children’s Medical Center– Bringing the joy of Christmas to sick children in Dallas
It’s hard to imagine anything much worse than being a child in the hospital at Christmas. US News and World Report repeatedly names Children’s Medical Center of Dallas as one of the nations top pediatric hospital’s and has a large and dedicated staff of volunteers and a variety of different ways you may help out. They are currently accepting any new and unwrapped gifts and they can be dropped off right at their location on 1935 Medical City Drive Dallas TX 75235. You can always check their ‘Get Involved’ page for a list of seven others ways you can volunteer and help out Children’s.
Celebrate Jesus with Soupmobile– Making ‘Room at the Inn” for 500 of Dallas homeless
Soupmobile’s 7th Annual Celebrate Christmas Extravaganza at the Dallas Hyatt is one of the Highlights of the year for many homeless in Dallas. Putting 500 homeless people into rooms at the Dallas Hyatt, the Soupmobile figuratively and literally rolls out the red carpet upon their entrance.
With an Army of Dallas top local celebrities and politicians dressed in black tie for the event, the volunteers begin with a line greeting and them move onto guest check-in and the banquet dinner. Volunteers are need for a variety of position including: greeters, floor monitors, banquets staff, room escorts, and bus crew. Check out all the ways you can help with this amazing event here.
Dallas Animal Advocates– Bringing new bedding and treats to animals
The Dallas Animal Advocates surprised both the pets and staff members of the Dallas Animal Services shelter last year by arriving with truckloads of bedding, blankets, treats and toys as well as a lasagna dinner for everyone working. They hope to repeat the festivities this year and need your help to raise their goal of $3,500 to support the event. Find out more at their Dallas Animal Shelter Holiday Party this Sunday Dec.11th or donate online directly here.
