We’ve just entered the cold and cheerful months that make up the end of 2015! It’s hard to believe that this year is almost over. As you pour over your calendar and consider the uses of your time, consider giving back to Carrollton in a volunteer capacity. Just as there is unlimited fun and excitement with decorations and holiday plans, there is unlimited need in our great community. You don’t have to go across the world or deep into Fort Worth to make a difference. We’ve gathered up some super close opportunities to spread holiday cheer, as well as some international options and other ideas for your family to morph into a winter tradition.
Metrocrest Services
Metrocrest is one of several large organizations in the Carrollton community. You can give in the form of a check, or you can get more involved. They have several seasonal events you can volunteer for including Holiday night, winter distribution, and Thanksgiving meal give out. Donating or setting up a drive at your business or workplace can also help gather non-perishable foods, coats for those that don’t have any to block out the cold Texas weather, and unwrapped toys and gift cards for families that don’t have the money to celebrate Christmas. There are also opportunities to deliver baskets of food, basic necessities and treats to low-income seniors.
For more information, check out their website volunteer page.
Minnie’s Food Pantry, Inc.
Another wonderful organization close by is Minnie’s Food Pantry. A typical volunteer day includes food sorting, inspecting, grocery packing. They also have special projects or events you can get involved in during the holidays. Currently there is a great need for off-site volunteers such as food drives, pick-up and delivery drivers, and Minnie Food Pantry advocates.
Check out their website for FAQs and other information or email Erica@minniesfoodpantry.org.
Carrollton Friendship House
The Friendship House is part of First Baptist Christian church campus and provides food, clothing, and small household items to people needing assistance. You can help by volunteering at The Friendship House, donating clothing and household items, or by making a financial donation. Clothing donations can be dropped off daily from 7 am-7 pm. They purchase food items through the North Texas Food Bank, using the monetary donations they receive. This time of year they especially see needs in warm clothing and coats. They open their Christmas Store this time of year as well, providing parents in need to come and pick out gifts for the children in their families.
Operation Kindness
If you and your family are animal lovers, you should check out Operation Kindness Animal Shelter. Never does there seem to be so many animals in need as during the cold winter months. You can help by fostering a pet until they can find their forever home or get your furry friend fix by helping with the animals at the shelter. There is a volunteer application and orientation, so get those started as soon as you can so you’re ready to help when the needs start arriving this winter.
For more information, go to their volunteer page.
Emily’s Place
Emily’s Place is a long-term transitional house for woman in trouble or need and their children. Duties can include delivering dinner or bags of family necessities, care and maintenance of the grounds and home, or providing child care. If you have special skills or ideas on how to help the families that seek help from Emily’s Place, or want more information on getting involved, check out their sign up page or email volunteer@emilysplacetx.org.
Christian Community Action
Many of Carrollton’s residents know about Christian Community Action’s resale store on Josey Lane, but they have other projects and opportunities for you to help the recipients of their aid. In addition to their year round vocational, spiritual, and basic living offerings, this year they have a Christmas store and giving tree where you can either pick a child to buy for or donate unwrapped presents for needy families to shop from.
They have a long list of volunteer positions or duties you can choose from on their volunteer page or you can call Charlene or Renee at 972-219-4372.
Options with Further Reach
In addition to the close to home volunteer opportunities, there are some wonderful causes beyond our borders. Check the links in each of the descriptions below to find out where the local connection or drop off site.
Consider writing a letter to a deployed U.S. soldier or veteran and give them some cheer this holiday season through Operation Gratitude. For guidelines on letter subject and where to send them, check out their website: https://www.operationgratitude.com/writeletters.
Operation Christmas Child is also called the shoebox project and is done by Samaritan’s Purse (they have many other wonderful programs that help veterans and those in need closer to home as well). Fill up a shoebox with Christmas gifts for a child in another country. Make sure to check out the link for guidelines on what can and can’t be sent internationally as well as printing your age and gender label. Then drop it off at one of these local spots NEXT week November 16th- November 23rd: Royal Haven Baptist Church 3700 Valley View Lane, Dallas, TX 75244 or Prestonwood Baptist Church 6801 W Park Boulevard, Plano, TX 75093.
Become an Elf and answer letters sent to Santa from needy children through the USPS.
Contact local hospitals such as Medical City or St. Jude’s Irving to volunteer or see if any particular families need help during this time of year.
The holidays are a wonderful time to spend with friends and family, but it’s bigger than presents and staying warm. It’s an opportunity to give time and hope to those that are struggling in our community and beyond. Now is the time to get your name on a list or volunteer application and plan your giving in the coming months. Make a new family tradition and make a difference.
Emergency
Patient Forms
Contact Us