Non-profits in the Metroplex are thanking people who donated money on "North Texas Giving Day" Thursday. Through lunchtime, the Salvation Army says it had received 600 donors in Arlington alone through midday.
"We really just want to say thank you to the community," says Lt. Jillian Warf. "It's a wonderful community we serve."
Warf says donations will be used to fund programs aimed at youth, food insecurity and family housing.
"These are three key programs," she says. "By having the generosity and support of the community, we have the ability to continue to operate 365 days a year."
The Salvation Army of North Texas says Morrow Renewables is matching each donation made on North Texas Giving Day. Volunteers also packed hygiene and care kits at locations across the area which include disposable razors, shaving cream, shampoo, deodorant and toothpaste.
"To be self-sufficient, we work to connect with families that, for us, look like they have strong backgrounds in the sense of work ethic so we can connect with just the right amount of resources, so we can put them on the path toward sustainability," Warf says.
She says the Salvation Army tries to end a cycle of poverty to provide people with tools to become self-sufficient.
"The continuum of care doesn't stop for us. We're really trying to break the cycle of poverty," Warf says, saying some people who have received help later return to the Salvation Army as volunteers to help others.
Looking ahead toward winter, Warf says the Salvation Army started work in July to recruit volunteers and meet with cities and civic clubs about how to help people who may need shelter from cold or snow.
"It's no joke when we say Christmas is in July because that's when our efforts for the season begin," she says. "We're beginning to identify what really is the need we want to focus on for the seasonal campaign so we have a place to provide for individuals who might be out on the street to come in who need a warm place to stay as well as a warm meal in their belly."
The Salvation Army of North Texas says $100 can provide a night of shelter and services for a survivor of domestic violence; $250 can help the organization develop a plan for self-sufficiency for three homeless people; $500 can provide shelter and hot meals for a child; $1,000 ensures food pantry access for 42 families; $5,000 can help five people dealing with addiction maintain sobriety.
More information is available at https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/Salvationarmynorthtexas.