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    Lending a hand

    Easy ways to help Dallas-Fort Worth residents impacted by historic winter storm

    Stephanie Allmon Merry
    Feb 18, 2021 | 10:48 am
    Austin snowstorm 2021
    Winter storms have been historic all across Texas this week.
    Photo by Montinique Monroe/Getty Images

    People all across Dallas-Fort Worth are grappling with the effects of this week's historic winter storm — the extreme cold, power outages, and water issues that have brought the region to a standstill. Here are some ways residents can lend a hand through monetary contributions, donations of goods and services, volunteer time, or even a simple ring of a doorbell next door. The list will continue to be updated as more opportunities are announced.

    Genesis Women's Shelter & Support in Dallas had to shut down for the first time in its 35-year history due to an extended power outage and damage and flooding from burst pipes. All residents have been temporarily relocated to alternative safe locations. The organization is in critical need of blankets, warm clothing items, flashlights, batteries, and meals. They're also hoping to raise enough funds to purchase two commercial automatic generators. Donations can be made through their website.

    The Family Place suffered damage when pipes burst at its shelter and had to move more than 100 clients to offsite locations. The nonprofit is now seeking emergency donations of blankets and coats, food, and other essentials. They are also receiving monetary donations through their website.

    Staff Meal Dallas is starting tabs at restaurants around DFW to purchase food for anyone who has been affected by the storm. They've set up a GoFundMe page for contributions, and more information can be found here.

    Chase Oaks Church has opened two Collin County campuses (Fairview and Sachse) as temporary warming centers. They are looking for assistance to donate firewood, water, and other essentials; deliver supplies to those in need; and provide HVAC and plumbing assistance. Those who can help should start here.

    Austin Street Center, which serves those experiencing homelessness in Dallas, is in need of warm clothing. They are specifically requesting donations of sweatpants, hoodies, and long sleeve shirts for men and women, sizes L-4X. Clients also need thick gloves, boots (all sizes), and coats (sizes 3XL and up). Donations can be dropped off 9 am-5 pm Sunday through Saturday at 2929 Hickory St., Dallas.

    The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center in Dallas has compiled an Amazon Wish List of items (like hand warmers and earmuffs) they're seeking to keep clients safe and warm.

    United to Learn is collecting contributions to buy food, blankets, coats, and more necessities for Dallas ISD families impacted by the storm. Monetary donations can be made here.

    Feed the People Dallas Mutual Aid is accepting monetary contributions to help feed the area's most vulnerable populations. More information here.

    Mercy Chefs, a Virginia-based relief organization, is coming to Dallas-Fort Worth to serve restaurant-quality hot meals and distribute water. To contribute to their efforts, visit their website. To find out where they're operating, click on this story.

    The Salvation Army of North Texas is accepting monetary contributions to provide supplies for warming shelters in Dallas-Fort Worth. To make a donation, visit their website.

    Carter Blood Care is struggling to meet the needs of the community with both COVID-19 and the winter storm crisis. They're urging people to give blood and plan to resume most normal operations on Friday, February 19. For information on locations, hours, and scheduling a donation, visit their website.

    Don't Forget to Feed Me, an animal care organization, expects pet food demands to increase once inclement weather ends and is conducting a food drive through the end of the month. Their Amazon wish list is here.

    CNN, which is doing extensive TV reporting on the Texas storm, has consolidated 14 organizations throughout the state into a "one-stop-shop" page for donations. Local organizations include American Red Cross, Union Gospel Mission of Dallas, The Stewpot at Dallas First Presbyterian Church, Salvation Army, Our Calling, and more. You can learn more and donate through their website.

    Lalamove, a local same-day, on-delivery app, is offering a significant discount to help North Texans send and receive supplies they need — including food, water, firewood, and warm clothing. Users can download Lalamove in the App store and schedule a driver to pick up whatever they may need and/or deliver it to someone else. Through Sunday, February 21, Lalamove is offering 50 percent off all winter weather deliveries with the code LASNOW. Users can enter the code into the promo section of the Lalamove app and receive half off, up to $10.

    Meals On Wheels Inc. of Tarrant County is asking people to check on their neighbors and is looking for more volunteer drivers. Meals On Wheels has delivered emergency shelf-stable meals and is asking volunteers and staff to stay home at this time. They will be closed through Friday, February 19.

    United Way of Tarrant County encourages people to call 877-541-7905 or 2-1-1, or visit the 211 website for information and resources. Information on donating can be found here.

    The Fort Worth Fire Department is accepting donations of bottled water at all 43 fire stations. They are distributing it to those impacted by the water outages and boil advisories.

    The Tarrant County Homeless Coalition is seeking donations of emergency cold weather needs: pillows, blankets, over-the-counter cold and flu medicines, pillowcases, underwear (all sizes), coats, scarves, gloves, hats, heavy and warm socks, twin sheets for emergency mattresses, generators, heaters, sleeping bags, bottled water. Donate here or text WESUPPORT to 41444.

    Tarrant Area Food Bank is holding several food distribution events for those who need food assistance. All are open to the public and will take place at Herman Clark Stadium, 5201 CA Roberson Blvd., Fort Worth, 76107. They'll be 10 am-1 pm Friday, February 19; 2-4 pm Saturday, February 20; and 10 am-1 pm Monday, February 22. TAFB is seeking volunteers for the Herman Clark Stadium events to assist with registration, traffic control, and food distribution. Sign up to volunteer at tafb.galaxydigital.com. For food or monetary donation information, visit the website.

    Funky Town Fridge is accepting monetary donations to keep its community refrigerators full in Fort Worth. More information on ways to contribute here.

    Fort Worth Museum of Science and History sustained damage from a pipe burst and flood and is accepting contributions toward repairs here.

    The Greater Keller Chamber is setting up a drive-thru hot meal distribution from 4-7 pm Friday, February 19 at The Bowden. Meals will be prepared and provided by FNG Eats, Sweet Memories Catering, JRs BBQ, DeVivo Bros., Jason’s Deli, and Hook & Ladder Pizza. Meals are free and limited to one per person. To support this event financially, call 817-431-2169 or email gballog@kellerchamber.com.

    Gozova, a local moving and logistics company, is collecting and distributing free firewood to homes that need it. To donate wood or volunteer as a delivery driver, join their Facebook group. They'll be handing out free bundles of firewood from 11:30 am-4 pm Friday, February 19 and Saturday, February 20 outside of Tulips FTW music venue, 112 St Louis Ave, Fort Worth. Tulips will be open as a warming center for those who'd like to warm up, rest, and recharge with a hot cup of coffee while they pick up firewood.

    Warming centers across Dallas and Fort Worth continue to provide warmth, shelter, water, and power to those who need it. Contact the closest one in your neighborhood to see if they're in need of donations or volunteers.

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    news/city-life

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    Merry & bright news

    Dallas makes Santa's nice list as 2nd most festive U.S. city in 2025

    Amber Heckler
    Nov 28, 2025 | 11:15 am
    Klyde Warren Park Christmas tree
    Getty Images
    Dallas sparkles and shines for the holidays.

    In merry and bright news, Dallas has landed a coveted spot near the top of a 2025 ranking of America's most festive cities.

    Home services platform Thumbtack analyzed holiday light installation requests from customers from October 2024 to 2025 to determine the most festive U.S. cities. Rankings were based on the "relative frequency" of requests after being adjusted for the population of each state and metro area.

    Dallas comes in at No. 2.

    Dallas has been resting easy at the top of Santa's nice list since 2022. But the city's festive spirit has yet to dethrone Austin, which has held on to the top spot for four years in a row.

    There's plenty of dazzling shows illuminating Dallas-Fort Worth for the holidays, including drive-thru light parks and CultureMap's very own ice rink at Main Street Garden in downtown Dallas.

    Other festive holiday events happening around Dallas include many more local ice rinks, pop-up bars, plus volunteer opportunities to give back to the local community. Readers can also keep up with all of Dallas' holiday happenings in CultureMap's season-long editorial series.

    Other big Texas cities like Houston and San Antonio also all landed top-10 spots, proving the Lone Star State is much more festive than the rest of the country.

    "From Texas to Florida, the South is setting the standard for holiday spirit, and in true Texas fashion, bigger is definitely brighter," the report said. "Mild winters and a strong sense of community keep the Lone Star State shining at the top."

    Thumbtack's top 10 most festive U.S. cities in 2024 are:

    • No. 1 – Austin, Texas
    • No. 2 – Dallas, Texas
    • No. 3 – Seattle, Washington
    • No. 4 – Las Vegas, Nevada
    • No. 5 – Sacramento, California
    • No. 6 – Houston, Texas
    • No. 7 – San Francisco, California
    • No. 8 – Charlotte, North Carolina
    • No. 9 – San Antonio, Texas
    • No. 10 – Atlanta, Georgia
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