HOW TO GET INVOLVED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON IN THE DALLAS - FORT WORTH AREA

If you're anything like us, you probably can't believe it is already the beginning of November, and the holidays are rapidly approaching. There's never been a better time to uplift your communities in the spirit of giving this holiday season.

Here are a few ways you can give back to your Dallas - Fort Worth area community. 

The Salvation Army DFW Angel Tree

The Angel Tree started in 1979 as a way to spread the holiday spirit to children in need. Now, hundreds of trees are placed around town in local malls and organizations. The trees enable families and individuals to fulfill Christmas wishes for 50,000 people who aren't able to afford to on their own.

They are in need of volunteers to help with collecting donations, as well as donors to adopt those in need by selecting an angel tag from a tree. A list of items will be included on the angel, and donors drop their gifts back to the tree by the date listed on their tag. If you are interested in adopting an angel, visit their website here, or go to participating shopping centers and organizations (a list is on their website) to find your angel. For more information about volunteering, click here. 

Volunteer at the Stewpot

This safe haven for local homeless and at-risk individuals provides resources for basic survival needs and opportunities to start a new life. They are in need of volunteers to serve approximately 1,000 meals and pour beverages seven days a week in the Second Chance Cafe. If you are interested in volunteering, you can see available opportunities here.

Donate or Volunteer with the Community Food Bank

For 39 years, the Community Food Bank in Fort Worth has served food to families in need in the Dallas - Fort Worth areas. Relying on the help of volunteers to sort canned food, inspect and pack boxes, and serve clients, the Community Food Bank distributes food to anywhere between 400 - 800 families daily. For holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, they serve over 5,000 families in the area. To learn more about how to volunteer or donate, click here. 

Volunteer or Donate at the North Texas Food Bank

Every day the North Texas Food Bank provides over 170,000 meals for hungry children, seniors, and families through a network of more than 1,000 programs and 262 partner agencies. The food bank relies on volunteers to help in the distribution center, the pantry, and other efforts, but their greatest need is food to make up the 62 million meals they distribute a year. You can help by hosting a canned-food drive with your friends, family, or organization. Individuals, groups, and organizations of all sizes can rally to contribute. For the handbook, how-to-get-started checklist, and list of most-wanted items, click here. 

No matter how you choose to get involved in your community, your time and effort are what make the holidays so special.