For many, the holidays bring joy and connection. For young people experiencing homelessness or with a history in foster care, they can also bring uncertainty and feelings of isolation. At TRAC, we’re creating opportunities for youth to gather around a holiday meal and feel the support of their community.
You can help by hosting a collection drive, volunteering at a celebration, or sponsoring a child through Angel Tree.
Drop Off Locations:
- Dallas: 3108 Live Oak St, Dallas 75204
- Fort Worth: 4532 Altamesa Blvd, Fort Worth 76133
Help stock our pantries for Thanksgiving
Please drop off donations by November 19.
Help young people have food on hand throughout the holiday season. We’re collecting shelf-stable pantry items, including:
- Canned vegetables, fruit, and beans
- Canned tuna, chicken, soups, and ready-to-eat meals
- Pasta, rice, and boxed meal kits
- Peanut butter, oatmeal, and cereal
- Granola bars and individually wrapped snacks
Please donate unopened food within its expiration date. Easy-open packaging is especially helpful. A collection drive at your workplace, congregation, or neighborhood is a great way to get others involved.
Volunteer at Thanksgiving Lunch
Dallas and Fort Worth: Friday, November 20
Powered by Atmos Energy
Our Thanksgiving celebrations bring young people together for a holiday meal and time with their TRAC community. Volunteers help create a welcoming gathering by setting up, serving food, helping with games, arts and craft stations, and cleaning up.
The volunteer schedule at both locations is:
- 10:00 am: Set-up
- 11:00 am–2:00 pm: Celebration
- 2:00 pm: Clean-up
Email giving@traconline.org to learn more about volunteering individually or with a group.
Sponsor a child through Angel Tree
Gifts are due by Friday, December 4.
TRAC’s Angel Tree supports the young children of the youth we serve. Sponsoring a child helps ease holiday expenses for a young parent while giving their child something special to open.
Visit our Angel Tree page to select a child and review their gift requests and sizes. You can also contribute $150 to sponsor a child.
Please contact Holly Durham at hdurham@traconline.org with any questions.
Please coordinate gift delivery with our team so everything arrives by December 5.
Bring holiday cheer to our December parties
Dallas: Wednesday, December 9
Fort Worth: Wednesday, December 16
Our holiday parties include a festive meal, activities, Angel Tree gift distribution, and stockings for youth. Volunteers are needed to help with setup, food service, games, gift distribution, and cleanup.
For both parties, setup begins at 10:00 a.m., celebrations run from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., and cleanup begins at 2:00 p.m.
You can also support the celebrations by donating:
- Stocking stuffers: Small, fun surprises and useful everyday items for young people
- Raffle prizes: Gift cards or new merchandise, such as games, accessories, electronics, and self-care items
Shop our Amazon stocking stuffer wish list, or contact us to coordinate a collection drive and donation drop-off.
Help young people stay warm
Winter gear donations requested by January 15.
Cold weather creates additional challenges for young people without reliable shelter or transportation. Help us collect winter essentials, including:
- Coats and jackets
- Hoodies and sweatshirts
- Hats, gloves, and scarves
- Warm socks and blankets
- Hand warmers
Please contact our team about current size needs and donation guidelines before organizing a winter gear drive.
Collect hygiene supplies any time of year
Hygiene supplies are needed year-round at TRAC. These everyday essentials help young people care for themselves and feel prepared for work, school, and appointments.
Helpful donations include:
- Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss
- Soap, body wash, and deodorant
- Shampoo, conditioner, and hair care products for all hair types, including textured hair
- Lotion and lip balm
- Menstrual care products
- Razors and shaving supplies
Please donate new, unopened products. Full size items are preferred.
Make a plan with TRAC
Whether you’re collecting a few items or organizing a drive with your team, we’d love to help you get started.
Email giving@traconline.org or call (214) 370-9300 to coordinate donations or volunteer opportunities.
Thank you for helping create a season of belonging for TRAC youth.