As the holiday season approaches, one of the best ways to start feeling merry and bright is by supporting our local community. The spirit of giving is upon us, and several Arlington charities are meeting needs and spreading holiday cheer to those in need. If you are looking for ways to give back, check out the following organizations!
Chamber Holiday Toy Drive
Here at the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, we are hosting a holiday toy drive! Bring unwrapped gifts in their original package to our building during business hours, or bring toys to any of our upcoming events. The toys will be going to Mission Arlington and ends on December 15. If you plan on attending the Young Professionals Ugly Holiday Sweater Happy Hour, please bring a toy to spread the holiday cheer!
Mission Arlington – The Free Christmas Store
Mission Arlington is a long-running staple of the Arlington area, and they are providing several ways to help others this holiday season! If you are able to volunteer time, they are looking for volunteers to help run their free Christmas Store that allows parents to shop for free gifts for their children. Mission Arlington is seeking donations of toys to fill the store. On their website, they have a list of suggested toys that can be dropped off, as well as an Amazon wishlist that allows donations to be bought online and shipped directly to Mission Arlington.
Latino Business Group Gives Back
The Latino Business Group invites you to participate in their annual December Networking and Give Back event on December 16. They will start by volunteering at the Free Christmas Store at Mission Arlington from 5-6 pm, then head to J. Gilligans for a networking event. To register for this event, please see more details here.
Meals on Wheels – Silver Santa Giving Tree
Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County is hosting their 6th annual Silver Santa Giving Tree. This program fulfills wishes and meets needs of homebound, elderly, disabled, or food-insecure individuals. Their website allows a giver to purchase a gift for an individual, or make a general donation towards gifts or meals.
Clay Kelley Bikes for Mission Arlington
Bikes for Mission Arlington has been able to donate over 16,000 bicycles to local families since 2007. Clay Kelley has been a leading force in collecting bicycles for Arlington children in need.On Saturday, December 12, at 9 am, donations of new bicycles and helmets will be accepted at the Pantego Christian Academy parking lot. The gifts will then receive a police escort to Mission Arlington where they will be able to be distributed to families in need. For more information on how to donate a bike, click here.
HDNP Blood Drive – Carter Blood Care
HDNP International is an Arlington-based nonprofit dedicated to serving those in need in our community. They host many blood drives year round, with the next one on December 17 from 10 am to 3 pm in front of Prosperity Bank on Bowen Rd. Donating blood saves lives, and it’s a great option for those looking to give back in a way that directly benefits their neighbors!
Written by: Maegan Londenberg