Give a Little Bit

Small gifts can make a big difference to area charities

By LISA PETTY

Updated 11:00 AM CDT, Thu, Dec 3, 2009

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We all know the greatest gifts often come in the smallest packages. The tale holds true for charitable giving, too, when we donate our time, money or goods to those less fortunate. The gesture needn’t be grand to make a positive difference this holiday season, as illustrated by the wishes of several Metroplex organizations.

The Family Place
As the largest family violence service provider in the Dallas area, The Family Place aids women, men and children through intervention, emergency shelter and crisis counseling. At The Family Place Resale Shop, clients can purchase the household goods they need to begin again. The shop has an urgent need right now for full and queen sheet sets and “beds in a bag”. Click here for info on making a tax-deductible donation.

Resource Center of Dallas
Founded in 1985, The Resource Center of Dallas’ Food Pantry now serves more than 800 clients with HIV and AIDS. Wish List items include canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats, boxed cereal and juice. Click here for donation drop-off hours and location.

Ronald McDonald House
The Ronald McDonald House of Dallas is celebrating the dedication of a new, larger facility today. You can help furnish this home away from home for families of seriously ill or injured children by shopping an online catalog of household items. From laundry baskets to high chairs to drinking glasses, there’s a gift for every budget.

The Salvation Army
Adopting an angel from the Salvation Army Angel Tree has become a treasured holiday tradition for many across the Metroplex. Through December 13th at ten area malls, you can select an angel and fulfill his or her Christmas wishes. Click here for Angel Tree locations and details. NBC 5 and NBCDFW are partners in the Angel Tree project.

SPCA of Texas
Among the top most-needed items on the SPCA’s Wish List are kitty litter, liquid laundry detergent, thick blankets and paper towels. Thousands of animals are admitted to the SPCA’s two area shelters each year, and thousands are adopted to loving families. To learn more about volunteering or making a donation, visit spca.org.

VNA of Texas/Meals on Wheels
The delivery of a hot, healthy meal to a senior is often the happiest part of his or her day – and it feels pretty good to be the one behind the wheel, too. From driving to making greeting cards to the donation of toiletries for holiday giving, there are opportunities to support Meals on Wheels throughout the year. Visit vnatexas.org for more information.