The holiday season is a popular time when families choose to give money, gifts, or food to those in need in our communities. Donating within our own community makes it even more personal, especially for smaller children.
Here is a list of four unique organizations in Collin County accepting donations this year:
North Texas Giving Machine
The Giving Machine will be traveling around the metroplex starting in Fort Worth from December 5 – 7, then going to Grapevine from December 9 – 17. It ends in McKinney from December 19 – January 1. It will be located in Historic Downtown McKinney at 110 North Tennessee Street.
The red donation vending machine will be a few doors down from Hugs Cafe, which is one of the benefitting charities. People who are interested in donating can swipe a credit or debit card at the vending machine and purchase an item for someone in need. The donor can choose an item ranging in price from $5 to $150, and it include items such as clothing, school supplies, meals, personal hygiene items, livestock, and medication. Upon purchase, the donor will receive a receipt.
One hundred percent of the donations go directly to the participating charities. The charities that will benefit from the Giving Machine are:
- African Girls Hope Foundation
- American Red Cross North Texas
- Arlington Charities
- Church World Service
- GRACE Grapevine
- I Can Still Shine
- It’s Going To Be OK
- North Texas SNAP
- The Samaritan Inn
>> RELATED READ :: How to Volunteer with Kids in Collin County <<
Baby Booties Diaper Bank
Baby Booties Diaper Bank has been collecting diapers, diapering supplies, and period supplies since 2013. Baby Booties began its diaper bank when it realized that families in need can get food and other resources from the government, but not diapers and diapering needs, so they started out to fill that need. It accepts diapers, supplies, and period needs in all sizes to be distributed among the families in Collin County. Distribution is held on the second Saturday of every month, and no sign-up is required.
The pickup location is posted on Facebook before the distribution date. While donating diapers may not be glamourous, it is often overlooked. Here is a list of what they accept:
- Disposable diapers, size newborn thru six, and pull-ups, including opened packages or loose diapers in good condition
- Unopened baby wipes
- Baby and toddler formula
- Adult diapers and pull-ups
- Swim diapers
- Period Supplies
>> RELATED READ :: Happy Thriftmas :: Buying Secondhand Gifts This Holiday Season <<
Mission Regan
Mission Regan is an organization that has been providing medical supplies, at no cost, to those in need since 2013. It accepts physical donations, monetary donations, or donors can shop its online wishlists and have the items sent directly to the organization.
Physical donation drop offs and pickups must be arranged with the organization. Supplies must be in good, clean, useable condition, and medications must be in blister packs or a different manufacture sealed container. There are many different projects within Mission Regan that are accepting monetary donations. Donors can choose to help fund the following:
All Community Outreach
All Community Outreach (ACO) has been benefitting families throughout Collin County since 1985. ACO helps community members avoid hunger and homelessness by providing food, clothing, utility and housing assistance, and medical assistance. Going beyond basic needs, ACO also helps community members with education and employment services. Most people know about the resale locations in Allen, but the charity also houses a food bank and essentials center. Both the food bank and essentials center have a link to an Amazon wishlist on the ACO website along with a link to monetary donations.
The drop off location for food items is:
ACO Food Pantry
801 East Main Street
Allen, Texas 75002
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The drop off location for other items is:
ACO Donation Center
2 Butler Drive
Allen, Texas 75013
Monday – Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wherever or however you and your family choose to give this holiday season, I hope that you feel the joy of giving back to your community. All of these charities benefit families in Collin County, so your donations don’t have to go far to get to someone who needs them.
