Community · Giving season
Giving season: where to help in Rockwall County this year
The holidays are when local nonprofits need the most help, and when a few hours or a few dollars go furthest. Here's where to start, close to home.
Helping Hands of Rockwall County
Since 1976, Helping Hands has worked toward a simple goal: no one in Rockwall County should go without food, shelter or essential medical care. It runs a food pantry, a low-cost health center, a thrift store, and appointment-based help for families in a financial crisis with housing and utilities. It's also the main distribution hub for Rockwall's Toys for Tots drive.
How to help: give money, donate food or household items, or volunteer at the food pantry or thrift store.
Rockwall Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots is Rockwall County's official toy drive, with Helping Hands handling distribution. The partnership runs year-round now, including backpacks for the back-to-school season, but the holidays are still its biggest push.
How to help: watch for collection boxes around town this season, or contact Helping Hands about where to drop off new, unwrapped toys.
Source: Blue Ribbon NewsMeals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County
Meals on Wheels helps elderly and disabled residents stay safely in their own homes, delivering hot midday meals and a personal visit to homebound seniors on weekdays.
How to help: sign up to deliver meals, or donate. And on December 10, the Rockwall Area Chamber's Senior Services Alliance is teaming up with Meals on Wheels on Bags of Cheer, holiday bags of blankets, hand warmers and comfort items for seniors who might otherwise go without a gift.
rockwallmealsonwheels.org · Bags of Cheer (Rockwall Area Chamber)
Lone Star CASA
Lone Star CASA trains volunteers to speak up for abused and neglected children in court, gathering information and giving judges recommendations about each child's best interests. It serves Rockwall and Kaufman counties, and swore in seven new volunteer advocates in October.
How to help: become a volunteer advocate, donate, or attend one of its fundraising events.
Meet more local nonprofits on December 9
The Rockwall Area Chamber's Unity Luncheon includes a nonprofit expo and recognizes Rockwall County nonprofits, including its Nonprofit of the Year. It's a good way to find a cause that fits you.
Source: Rockwall Area ChamberKnow a local nonprofit we missed?
Tell the editor, and we'll consider it for a future issue.