Every time the holiday season hits, it puts things doubly into perspective for me. I am extra thankful for my mine and my family's health, the fact that I have a job, my friends, and no major complaints. I think 2020 has put things into perspective for everyone.
With that being said, this year has made me want to give back more than usual. By no means am I trying to toot my own horn, I just want to share any little bits of happiness I can with others, whether that is for Giving Tuesday or any normal day of the year.
Currently, 21 million Americans are unemployed which means there are so many families that aren't able to have a nice Thanksgiving dinner or provide gifts for their children on Christmas day and that beyond breaks my heart.
Initially, I wanted to collect donations and put together care packages to give to women's shelters in Dallas but it seems that not many places are taking donations due to COVID, but I did get some great options and wanted to share my findings with anyone who might be interested in donating or adopting a family for the holidays!
Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support
Genesis Women's Shelter & Support is a place for women escaping domestic violence. This place was actually suggested from my Instagram followers—thanks guys!
They are currently not taking physical donations (like clothing or bedding) due to COVID, but are accepting:
- Gift cards - Visa, Amazon, Target or Walmart
- Wrapping paper, bows, ribbon but has to be dropped off in person
To donate or find out more, visit https://www.genesisshelter.org/events/holiday/
The Family Place
The Family Place supports victims of family violence.They have donation amount tiers that includes:
- $1,500 that provides one month worth of medical supplies
- $500 ensures one month of safety for a dog or cat in The Family Place Kennel
- $250 provides 300 meals for families living in their Emergency Shelters
- $125 pays for a week of childcare at their Safe Campus Shelter
- $70 gives one night of shelter to a mother and child at one of their Emergency Shelters
- You can also donate any amount you want, these are just the options they give so you know exactly what your donation is going to
They are also still accepting these items in person:
- Gift Cards: grocery stores, gas, Visa
- Twin XL Sheets
- Crib Sheets
- Full-Size Toiletries
- Canned Food
- Formula & Baby Food
They have an Amazon wishlist. When you purchase, the item will be shipped straight to them—so easy and convenient!
To donate or learn more, head to https://www.familyplace.org/donation/donate-items
To donate or learn more, head to https://www.familyplace.org/donation/donate-items
Mosaic Family Services
Mosaic Family Services helps refugees and immigrants in crisis. They give support through emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling and therapy, legal services and education.They have a whole page of categories and sorted items that they need composed of groceries, hygienic and household items.
Mosaic Family Services has donation tiers that include:
- $25 will help a family fulfill their grocery shopping
- $50 can help provide counseling and play therapy for a child who has experiened trauma
- $100 provides survivors with an attorney to ensure their voice is heard and rights are recognized
- $250 sponsor a child for summer camp for 12 weeks
- $500 provides health care advocacy and case management for a refugee family
- $1,000 can sponsor a survivor at Mosaic House for one month
- You can also input any custom amount you'd like to give
To donate or learn more, check out https://mosaicservices.org
Austin Street Center
Austin Street Center is a help for the homeless. They provide for more than 400 men and women who find shelter and safety with them each night.
Austin Street Center is asking for monetary donations at this time due to COVID-19 since they are trying to limit donation drop offs and in-person contact.
Here are the ways to donate:
- Monetary donations
- Amazon Wishlist
- Gift cards to Sam’s Club, Walmart and Target
To donate or learn more, head to https://www.austinstreet.org
These are definitely not the end-all-be-all options, but these are some of the most legitimate Dallas shelters I could find that were in need of items. If they don't tickle your fancy, find something that does :) Whatever you choose to donate your time or money to has the opportunity to change lives.
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