It’s the time of year when retail stores are filled with holiday dazzle and the implied promise of a “perfect” holiday season if we buy this, participate in that, or decorate as though Martha Stewart was coming to Christmas. I believe we should fully embrace and enjoy the season, but it’s easy to become so enamored with our own Christmas traditions and self-centered desires that we miss the opportunity to think of others first.
Case in point: The Toys ‘R Us holiday catalog arrived in our mailbox last week, and within minutes my kids had markers in their hands, ready to circle a hundred items they wish to receive this Christmas. When I was a kid I did the exact same thing, despite my parents’ best efforts to prioritize the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of generosity. (But it was the 1983 Sears Wishbook, and I wanted a Cabbage Patch Preemie doll instead of a Shopkins something-or-another…)
To support the spirit of giving this holiday season, Frisco Square is proud to partner again with TWO fantastic charities who are dedicated to caring for families this winter. Frisco residents can make a direct, tangible impact on the lives of those in need through the following warm clothing and toy drives.
Project Warm Us
Project Warm Us collects warm items such as coats, blankets and shoes to help keep the homeless warm during the cold winter months. Many of the people they serve are shelter-less, living in Dallas, and the surrounding metroplex. They also collect for people living in shelters and orphanages. Statistics from the Dallas area homeless count shows there are 21% more homeless people than last year and an expected increase with Hurricane Harvey victims. Their 2017 goal is 9,636 warm items by Thanksgiving.
Frisco Square is partnering with Project Warm Us from October 23 – November 22, 2017, and will be collecting new and gently used items. Drop off locations include:
Frisco Square Management Office
8874 Coleman Blvd
Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm
barre3 Frisco
8855 Coleman Blvd
Sunday – Saturday
Drop donations during scheduled class times.
The following new or gently used warm items are needed for men, women and children, many of whom are shelter-less homeless. Project Warm offers the following donation recommendations:
- Coats: Need mostly men’s coats – a large quantity of XL and XXL sizes in particular. Jackets, sweatshirts, and sweaters are good, too.
- Blankets: Comforters, heavy blankets, and moving blankets are most needed. They will accept lightweight blankets, but not sheets.
- Scarves, knit hats & gloves: Gloves and mittens are good, men’s sizes needed most. Only knit hats, no ball caps.
- Shoes & Socks: Athletic shoes preferred, men’s sizes needed most. Boots are acceptable. No flip-flops or open-toed shoes. No dress shoes. Only new socks, please. New or gently used shoes are accepted.
Operation Once in a Lifetime
Operation Once In A Lifetime (OOIAL), is a military non-profit group that helps make the dreams of U.S. Soldiers and their families come true. During the holiday season, OOIAL Toys for Troops drive helps military families provide a good Christmas for their children.
The Toys for Troops Donation Drive at Frisco Square will run November 27 – December 18, 2017. Soldiers in uniform will pick up from all Frisco Square donation locations; date TBD.
Donate new, unwrapped toys or clothing items at the following Drop Locations in Frisco Square:
barre3 Frisco
8855 Coleman Blvd
Drop off during regular business hours
The COOP Frisco
8802 Coleman Blvd
Drop off during regular business hours
Frisco Square Management Office
8874 Coleman Blvd.
8A-5P Monday – Friday
Next Step Dance Performing Arts Studio
6106 Frisco Square Blvd
Drop off during regular business hours
POParella’s Gourmet Popcorn & Treats
8873 Coleman Blvd
Drop off during regular business hours
Sweet Tooth Dental Loft
8838 Coleman Blvd
Drop off during regular business hours
Skate the Square Outdoor Ice Rink
Corner of Main Street and Coleman Blvd
Nov. 27 – Dec. 18
Mon-Thur Noon – 9p
Fri-Sun Noon – 10p
Click here for more details about the Project Warm Us Donation Drive and here for info about the Toys For Troops Donation Drive. If you have additional questions, please contact Lara Hansen at lhansen@friscosquare.com.
Next time you’re out shopping, drop a few toys into your cart, and a couple of coats or blankets while you’re at it. Then, swing by Frisco Square to drop off your donations. It couldn’t be simpler or more convenient to make a tangible difference this holiday season.
