Dallas Doing Good editorial board.
The holiday season is a time of giving, and there’s no better way to embrace the spirit than by supporting organizations making a difference in the Dallas-Fort Worth area!
This year, we’ve curated a guide to a few local holiday donation drives that focus on helping our neighbors in need, from families experiencing homelessness to children impacted by abuse. Whether you’re donating warm coats, food, toys, or volunteering your time, every effort helps brighten the holidays for those facing challenges.
Each organization featured was selected for their dedication to addressing urgent community needs and spreading joy during this special season. Explore these incredible opportunities to give back and make a meaningful impact in our community. Together, we can create a brighter, warmer holiday for everyone.
Overview: Communities in Schools of the Dallas Region is stepping in to fill the gap with its annual Holiday Drive, collecting new winter essentials (coats, socks, gloves and more) to ensure that no student has to face the cold without protection. They are also collecting hygiene supplies, snacks and blankets to make the holiday season a little brighter for local students.
Date: New, unwrapped donations are being accepted through December 16 to ensure Christmas delivery and that these items are in the hands of the families as we brace for the coldest temperatures of the season.
Wishlist: Amazon list here.
Overview: Dallas 24 Hour Club provides safe, sober living and support services for homeless individuals recovering from addiction, helping them transition to self-sufficiency. This holiday toy drive helps reunite families affected by homelessness and addiction, giving parents in recovery a chance to provide Christmas gifts for their children. Hundreds of individuals affiliated with Dallas 24 Hour Club will have access to countless toys where they can pick out special gifts for their kids and have them wrapped.
Date: New, unwrapped toys and gifts are due by December 7 so they can be prepared for “shopping” on December 8 from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. at Dallas 24 Hour Club.
Wishlists: New, unwrapped toys and gifts can be dropped off at Dallas 24 Hour Club.
Overview: In addition to this toy drive, each resident living on the Dallas 24 Hour Club campus receives a stocking full of items like gift cards to fast food restaurants nearby, socks, and other winter essentials. For some, this may be the only gift they receive during the holidays. It’s treasured and also serves as a sign of hope on their recovery journey.
Date: New, unwrapped donations for the stocking drive are needed by December 16, as stockings are delivered to the residents on December 17.
Wishlists: Gift cards to fast food restaurants, new and unwrapped socks, and other winter essentials can be dropped off at Dallas 24 Hour Club.
Overview: Each year, the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center supports more than 12,000 clients and eligible families on their journey toward healing. The vital “Holiday of Hope” program plays a crucial role in fulfilling the nonprofit’s mission during holidays. Clients and their siblings each receive a book, a cozy blanket, and three to four age-appropriate hand-picked gifts. Beyond that, each family is given one to two board games to enjoy together.
Date: New, unwrapped toys and gifts should be delivered to DCAC by December 11 or ordered online through DCAC wishlists.
Wishlists: The Holiday of Hope webpage offers gift ideas categorized by age range and links to wishlists, such as Amazon, with specific gift requests. The most urgent need is for gifts for teenagers, a group often overlooked in toy drives yet a core focus at DCAC.
Overview: The Dallas Zoo and SSA Group are partnering with Dallas Life’s Teddy Cares program again this year. This program provides comfort and joy to children who are struggling with homelessness. Once all donations are collected, Zoo staff will be delivering them to the Dallas Life shelter.
Date: This program will run until December 31, 2024
Wishlist: Guests can purchase brand-new toys, plushies, and books and easily donate them in one convenient location! Visit the main gift shop and any ancillary retail stands throughout the Zoo grounds to learn more and donate.
Overview: This holiday season, GRIT Fitness is hosting a holiday bra drive in partnership with the nonprofit Our Calling, dedicated to providing essentials to women experiencing homelessness. In addition to this drive, GRIT members are writing encouraging Christmas notes for mothers in need, spreading holiday cheer with messages of strength and support.
Date: The bra drive will run November 1-30, with a finale wrapping party on December 1 before all bras and Christmas cards are delivered to the women at Our Calling.
Wishlists: New, unwrapped bras can be donated and dropped off at any GRIT Fitness location.
Overview: Interfaith Family Services, which focuses on helping single mothers facing homelessness, is holding its annual Christmas Store, where both the parents and children of Interfaith can shop for Christmas gifts. Families can shop at the Store while having hot cocoa and taking a photo with Santa.
Date: New, unwrapped toys and gifts are greatly appreciated and needed for the Store and should be received by Friday, November 22.
Wishlists: Amazon list here.
Overview: Joseph’s Coat Closet, a program of The Storehouse Community Center, is collecting new and gently used winter coats and jackets for all ages to help families in need. Last year, they distributed over 1,800 coats to individuals who rely on this essential support. Warm coats provide not only protection but also confidence, especially for children. This holiday season, businesses, organizations, and community groups are encouraged to host coat drives to make a meaningful impact.
Dates: Donations may be dropped off at the Joseph’s Coat shed, which is open 24 hours, seven days a week, at The Storehouse, located at 1401 Mira Vista Blvd., in the north parking lot. For large donations or anyone needing unloading assistance, clothing closet staff are onsite sorting items and can assist you on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Wishlist: Winter coats for all ages, warm clothing for all ages, and new socks and underwear for all ages. Joseph’s Coat Closet also welcomes monetary donations for purchasing coats needed to accommodate varying sizes and ages.
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