Opportunities to get help or help others
This holiday season, many organizations around the DFW area are hosting events in honor of Thanksgiving. Whether you’re looking to join a group for a meal or for somewhere distributing dinners, this list should have something for you.
— Melissa Whitler
Nov. 22: Thanksgiving Food Giveaway
Abounding Prosperity is distributing Thanksgiving meals for those in need, 1705 MLK Jr. Blvd. from 3-5 p.m.; first come, first served. One bag per family.
Nov. 23: The North Texas Food Bank Food Distribution
North Texas Food Bank, in collaboration with UNT Dallas and Tom Thumb/Albertsons, will host a Thanksgiving food distribution for families in need at 7300 University Hills Blvd. in Southern Dallas, from 9 a.m. to noon or as long as supplies last. Each participating family will receive a holiday turkey and approximately 60 pounds of nutritious food.
Nov. 23: Metrocrest Services Thanksgiving Distribution
Metrocrest Services will provide Thanksgiving dinner to those in need living in Addison, Carrollton, Coppell, Farmers Branch and the city of Dallas in Denton County. Registration is required. Pickup will take place between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at 1145 N. Josey Lane in Carrollton. To register, visit TFAForms.com/5135667.
Nov. 24: Friendsgiving Celebration with Marvin Matthews
Episcopal Church of St. Thomas The Apostle, 6525 Inwood Road, hosts this Friendsgiving Celebration filled with worship, music, food and fellowship. Visit TheDoubter.org for more information.
Nov. 26: Atatiana Carr-Jefferson Community Center Thanksgiving
The community center will host a community Thanksgiving dinner from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 1201 East Maddox Ave. in Fort Worth. Register at ANC.APM.ActiveCommunities.com.
Nov. 27: Carrollton Pride Friendsgiving at Luby’s
The group meets from 6:30-8 p.m. at Luby’s Cafeteria, 13455 Midway Road. Open to all LGBTQIA and allies. Attendees are responsible for purchasing their own meals.
Maybe you are looking for a way to volunteer and help others this Thanksgiving. Here are a couple of options.
Operation Turkey
Operation Turkey needs volunteers on Thanksgiving Day to help set up for, prepare and serve a Thanksgiving dinner for those who are less fortunate. Visit OperationTurkey.com for information and to sign up.
A Homeless Thanksgiving
The 17th annual A Homeless Thanksgiving event, happening at 11 a.m. Thanksgiving Day at Forest Park, 2914 Parnell St., welcomes volunteers and donations. The event is organized by Life is Valuable Organization, Boss’N Up Car and Truck Club and Faeva Loyal Rydahz. For information visit Facebook.com/LifeIsValuableDallas.
OurCalling
OurCalling is a team of volunteers who reach out to the needy to help them connect with the resources they need. With the cold weather coming in, OurCalling is looking for donations of blankets and warm clothing (including socks and underwear) as well as volunteers to assist with various needs. Contact info@ourcalling.com for details.
Dallas 24 Hour Club
Dallas 24 Hour Club provides transitional living, support services and essential life skills for homeless alcoholics and addicts so they can embrace long-term sobriety. They are looking for volunteers to prepare meals and volunteers to serve meals. Sign up to set up, serve and/or clean up the meal. To sign up to bring a prepared dish or to help on Thanksgiving Day, visit Dallas24HourClub.org.
SPCA of Texas
SPCA of Texas needs volunteers through Sunday, Dec. 1, to assist shoppers, answer questions, clean the doghouses and monitor the cash donation box for their Home for the Holidays fundraising and adoptoin event at Northpark Center. Email volunteer@spca.org for information.
The Stewpot
The Stewpot, a haven for homeless and at-risk individuals in Dallas, needs volunteers to assist with serving meals, youth and family programs and client services. They also accept donations of food, clothing, or money. Email volunteer@TheStewpot.org for more information.
LGBTQ organizations
And remember that our LGBTQ community organizations — like Resource Center, AIN, AIDS Services of Dallas, Cathedral of Hope, Celebration Community Church, Celebration on the Lake, Legacy Cares, AIDS Outreach Center, Samaritan House, Dallas Hope Charities and many more — are always looking for volunteers and donations, year-round, to keep up the invaluable work they do, especially now as our community faces an uncertain four years under a demonstrably hostile administration.