This holiday season, the Salvation Army of North Texas is showing that love exists beyond the most difficult situations. Thousands are facing greater hardship than ever before with the impacts of inflation, rising evictions, and lingering effects of the pandemic. North Texans experiencing poverty and homelessness are living in survival mode trying to pay for rising rent, increased food costs, childcare, and more.
In response to the growing need across these communities, the Salvation Army has adapted and expanded to continue reaching the most vulnerable neighbors in every pocket of North Texas. The Salvation Army’s vast network service system ensures it provides support to all those facing poverty, addiction and homelessness across the area. The organization helps residents in Rockwall, Tarrant and Ellis, and Denton and Collin counties.
Each week, the Salvation Army of North Texas feeds 10,000 people through its 13 food pantries. In addition, the organization treats 500 people through its three recovery programs and houses 1,300 people through its six shelters and senior living centers.
Dedicated to keeping hope alive
This Christmas, the Salvation Army is dedicated to keeping hope alive. With the help of generous contributions during the holiday season, the organization is able to deliver transformational services year-round. With this help, local families and individuals can achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
Nearly half of the organization’s annual raised revenue comes between October and December. So, the essential funds raised during the holiday season help the Salvation Army serve North Texans.
“The Salvation Army anticipates increased requests for assistance heading into the holidays and new year,” Major Paul McFarland, area commander of the Salvation Army of North Texas, said. “It is thanks to the generosity of the public that we are able to make the holidays brighter and life a little easier for all those combatting poverty, addiction, and homelessness in the region.”
There are numerous ways the public can lend their support this holiday season.
Angel Tree
The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program ensures children, seniors, and special needs adults experience the joy of gifts under their tree on Christmas morning.
Starting Nov. 4, North Texans can adopt a local Angel online. Forgotten Angel tags are additionally available for selection on Angel Trees at participating Walmart and mall locations.
The last day to adopt an Angel is December 3. The last day to return your Angel’s gifts is December 5.
To find locations for gift drop-offs, visit SalvationArmyNTX.org/north-texas/angel-tree.
Red Kettle
North Texans can register to bell ring at a local Red Kettle at registertoring.com. They can also donate online or host their own Virtual Red Kettle as an individual or with a group.
Donations at Red Kettles provide food, shelter, and hope to those in need all year long. Donations stay in the community where they were given to meet local needs.
Bell ringers and Angel Tree volunteers are essential to helping the Salvation Army provide hope and help all year. To learn more, visit salvationarmyntx.org/north-texas/christmas.
About The Salvation Army of North Texas
The Salvation Army of North Texas provides a range of services to combat poverty, addiction, and homelessness at 17 centers of operation in Dallas, Tarrant and Ellis, and Denton and Collin counties. Faithful to our mission, The Salvation Army enables God-empowered transformations of individuals and society through food assistance, shelter, rehabilitation, counseling, spiritual support, mentoring and job placement and more. For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyNorthTexas.org.