Opportunities to Donate & Volunteer at Christmastime
By State Representative Tan Parker
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas I know that I say this often but this year truly has flown by! It seems like just yesterday that I was headed into the 85
th Legislative Session then the special session
quickly followed by one daughter starting high school and another starting college.
Now Christmas is at our front door with the promise of a new year not too far behind.
Though the end of the year might signal a sense of rush and hurry I actually find great comfort in knowing that we are embarking on a time of gratitude and giving back. Despite the many economic successes of our state the reality is there are many families who will face very difficult challenges this holiday season.
Our communities are not immune to this and that is why I want to highlight several ways that we can work together to help those who need lifting up especially during this time of giving.
Without question Denton County is truly a remarkable place with wonderful and concerned citizens who are dedicated to solving problems and putting forth ways that we can make a real difference. This is certainly evident in the number of incredible organizations providing opportunities in the coming months for people to donate and volunteer their time.
Here are just a few that I want to mention.
Santa Cops
The Flower Mound Police Department and the Flower Mound Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association are hosting their eleventh annual Santa Cops Toy Drive. New unwrapped non-violent toys and monetary donations will be accepted until December 13th.
Angel Tree Program
The Lewisville High School Angel Tree program is a wonderful way to help children in our community experience a better Christmas. In its 15
th year the LHS Student Council works with Communities in Schools of North Texas social workers and school counselors to nominate families. Adoptions of those in need range from newborn through 19 years of age.
If you arent able to provide gift items they also need Christmas wrapping supplies and gift cards.
Salvation Armys Angel Tree program has been incredibly successful in bringing communities together to support children and seniors in need every Christmas since its establishment in 1979. Opportunities to sponsor a child or senior can be found on Christmas trees in venues such as local shopping malls churches and community organizations.
Volunteer Services Council for Denton State Supported Living Center
For 40 years this rewarding program has been focused on the generosity of others to grant 2 gifts for a resident to enjoy at Christmas.
The Denton SSLC is home to over 400 people with disabilities who cherish the opportunity to celebrate the season. Neil Sperry and WBAP AM host the Christmas is Caring radio program from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. from December 11
th 15
th where people can call in their donations to 214.525.2550.
Gifts for the program can also be brought to any North Texas Calloway Nursery centers.
- Find out more about what is on the wish list of these special Texans at www.vscdenton.org.
Ranch Hands Rescue
RHR is a premier center focusing on therapy for severely abused children along with mental health support for veterans through pairing them with abused animals. They will be having their annual Christmas Open House on Saturday December 13
th where you can help them help others. RHR is ready to share their new second facility located at 9457 Highway 377 in Argyle with our community.
There is a special ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. with festivities scheduled from 4 p.m.8 p.m.
There are many opportunities for us to help one another but please remember that none of this is possible without your involvement. The holiday season and Christmas especially is about more than just the gifts we give but rather how they impact those who receive them.
I pray that you will join my family and me in providing joyous moments this holiday season for anyone who might be in need.
As always it is an honor to serve you in the Texas House of Representatives and I truly welcome your feedback. If you would like to share a thought with me please feel free to contact my Capitol office at 512-463-0688 or by email at
tan.parker@house.texas.gov.
State Representative Tan Parker in his 6th term representing Texas House District 63 was re-elected by his House colleagues to serve as Chairman of the House Republican Caucus representing all 95 Republican House members. Parker is Chairman of the House Committee on Investments & Financial Services and also serves on the House Committee on International Trade & Intergovernmental Affairs and the Redistricting Committee.
Department in person at the Police Station 4150 Kirkpatrick Lane or email justin.buck@flower-mound.com.
