Police Lieutenant Steven Doerr is the organizer of Sachse Police Department Chaplaincy Service Toy Drive. Toys are being collected through Friday, Dec. 15.

As the holiday season approaches, several community organizations are launching “adoption”-style giving programs to ensure families — and even pets — in Wylie have what they need this year.

Hope for the Cities is once again preparing to provide Thanksgiving meal boxes to households across the area. The organization is seeking community partners to help adopt a family, or several, by sponsoring a Thanksgiving box for $30 each. The boxes include traditional sides, dessert and a gift card that allows families to choose the meat for their holiday meal. Organizers said they hope to assist 420 families this season. Hope for the Cities is partnering with Wylie ISD, Community ISD, Wylie United Methodist Church, Orkin Pest Control, the North Texas Food Bank and Wylie Police Department to meet the need. Donations may be made online at onrealm.org/tccwylie.

Wylie Christian Care Center is also continuing a long-standing local tradition. As part of Christian Care Week, the center will hold its annual Thanksgiving Bake Sale on Wednesday, Nov. 26, beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing until sellout. The sale will take place at American National Bank and Inwood National Bank in Wylie, with all proceeds supporting the center’s outreach programs.

In Sachse, the police department is collecting donations of new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls, starting Nov. 28, through Dec. 15 for its Chaplaincy Services Toy Drive. The annual initiative aims to provide toys to children whose families may be facing financial challenges during the holiday season.

Wylie ISD is kicking off its 11th annual Wylie Way Christmas & Holidays Adopt a Tag program. From Nov. 17–21, families may visit any Wylie ISD campus to select a gift tag in person or adopt one online. Each tag includes requested items for a local student or child in need. Unwrapped gifts and the corresponding tag number must be returned to the originating campus or the ESC by Dec. 4.

Local pets are not being forgotten, either. Lake Lavon Animal Hospital in Wylie has launched its holiday donation drive to support Amazing Grace Food Pantry. Last year, clinic staff and residents collected more than 140 pounds of pet food, and organizers hope to exceed that total this year. The clinic is accepting unopened dog and cat food, cat litter and pet treats during regular business hours. Donations may be dropped in the lobby collection bin.

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