Make a Difference
North Texas Giving Day: A Lifeline for Local Nonprofits
By Sonia Duggan
In the vibrant and diverse Wylie area, local nonprofits are the heart of the community, tirelessly working to address various needs—from feeding the hungry and supporting those facing unplanned pregnancies to caring for adults with intellectual disabilities and rescuing exotic animals. These organizations are vital to the well-being of many residents and North Texas Giving Day offers a unique opportunity to support their essential work.
For the past 15 years, the Communities Foundation of Texas has hosted North Texas Giving Day (NTxGD), an 18-hour community-wide online giving event designed to build awareness and financial support for local nonprofits. In 2023, NTxGD raised $62.6 million for over 3,200 nonprofits across North Texas, bringing the 15-year total to more than $566 million.
As the Sept. 19 event approaches, Wylie-area nonprofits are preparing to raise funds that will enable them to continue serving their communities effectively. Among these organizations is Amazing Grace Food Pantry, an all-volunteer pantry in North Wylie that partners with the North Texas Food Bank to provide nutritious food to Collin County residents. The pantry aims to raise $10,000 to support its Food4Kids and Home Bound Seniors programs, ensuring children and seniors have access to healthy meals.
Hope for the Cities is another key organization dedicated to helping families move from crisis to stability by partnering with schools, law enforcement, and local government. With a goal of $50,000, Hope for the Cities seeks to continue offering financial and relational support to families in need.
In Sachse, 5 Loaves Food Pantry focuses on supporting the community’s most vulnerable members—children. The pantry hopes to raise $50,000 to cover operational expenses and secure food for local students who may not have access to meals over the weekend. Through its Backpack Feeding Program, 5 Loaves partners with Wylie ISD and Garland ISD to provide nutritious food to hundreds of students each week.
Beyond food pantries, other area nonprofits also need support. Hope Bridge Pregnancy Resource Center, a ministry of Youth With A Mission Wylie, offers mentorship and practical resources to those facing unplanned pregnancies. The center’s goal is to raise $20,000 to continue providing compassionate care.
Coventry Reserve, located in St. Paul, provides a day program for adults with special needs. This year, the nonprofit aims to raise $100,000 to reduce debt from a recent land purchase, allowing them to expand their services.
Hope’s Gate, which helps orphans and victims of human trafficking pursue education, seeks to raise $10,000 to support its education fund. The fund is
expected to provide $40,000 in scholarships to students, helping to break the cycle of poverty.
In-Sync Exotics, a sanctuary in north Wylie for rescued exotic felines, is home to more than 70 lions, tigers, and other big cats. With annual expenses exceeding $1.7 million, the nonprofit hopes to raise $200,000 to maintain the sanctuary and provide necessary care for the animals.
In Murphy, the Murphy Veteran’s Tribute committee aims to raise $25,000 to build a memorial near City Hall to honor veterans. This tribute will serve as a space for visitors to express their gratitude to those who have served.
The Bridge Connection, which seeks to unite the city through partnerships with local businesses, schools, and churches, is looking to raise $5,000 to establish a scholarship fund for students in need and to support their 17th annual Bridge Christmas Outreach.
Lastly, the Wylie Community Band, which offers a musical outlet for local talent and co-sponsors an annual performance event at the Morton Meyerson Symphony Center, hopes to raise $6,000 to cover event-related expenses.
As North Texas Giving Day approaches, individuals have a chance to make a difference by supporting these and other nonprofits. Visit northtexasgivingday.org to contribute to your favorite causes on or before Sept. 19.