The City of Dallas will begin accepting applications this Saturday to benefit from its annual toy drive.
The Santa Helper’s Toy Distribution helps families with children under the age of 12 put Christmas presents under the tree.
Hopeful beneficiaries must provide proof of residency in the ZIP codes 75208, 75211, or 75212, as well as documentation reflecting need — such as proof of household income — and the number of children.
Anyone wishing to register is asked to bring these items with him in person to the West Dallas Multipurpose Center at 2828 Fish Trap Rd. from December 2-9. Registration is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
Last year, over 500 children in West Dallas had a brighter holiday because of this initiative.
The Office of Community Care is hosting its annual holiday festival in parallel with the first day of toy drive registration on December 2. The public is welcome to come and enjoy snacks, take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and participate in various craft activities and games.
As covered previously in The Dallas Express, Dallas has plenty going on this weekend to get residents in the mood for the Yuletide season. On December 2, approximately 700,000 spectators are expected for the Dallas Holiday Parade kicking off at Commerce and Houston streets in Downtown Dallas at 9 a.m.
That same day “The Mayor’s Tree” will be switched on during the Tree Lighting Celebration in Klyde Warren Park planned from 3-6 p.m. Free activities and live entertainment will also be on offer, getting everyone fired up for the holiday with face painting, snow flurries, and photos with your favorite Christmas characters.
Those wishing to ring in the holiday season outside of Dallas will have much to choose from, with tree-lighting events, performances, parades, festivals, and more planned around North Texas, as covered in The Dallas Express.