Donors can search for participating nonprofits and make donations at NorthTexasGivingDay.org through Sept. 17.

Sachse-area nonprofits are preparing for one of their biggest fundraising days of the year as North Texas Giving Day returns Thursday, Sept. 17.

From feeding hundreds of families each week and helping homeless pets find new homes to caring for rescued exotic cats and providing support for women and families, local and nearby organizations are among thousands across the region asking North Texans to support causes close to home.

Now in its 18th year, North Texas Giving Day has grown into one of the region’s largest charitable giving efforts. In 2025, more than 100,000 North Texans donated $78 million to more than 3,500 nonprofits supporting causes ranging from education, health and social services to the arts, environment and animal welfare.

Since its inception, the event has generated $712 million for North Texas nonprofits.

Donors do not have to wait until Sept. 17 to participate. Early giving began Aug. 27, and donations made through NorthTexasGivingDay.org count toward this year’s campaign. Communities Foundation of Texas, which presents North Texas Giving Day, is covering transaction and technology fees this year, allowing 100% of online donations made through the platform to go directly to participating organizations.

For Sachse residents, the event provides an opportunity to support organizations working in their own community as well as others serving residents throughout the surrounding area.

5 Loaves Ministries in Sachse has set a $60,000 goal. The faith-based organization provides support for people of all ages while working to meet both physical and spiritual needs.

Donations help support a food pantry serving more than 800 families each week; provide diapers, wipes, bottles and formula to families; supply students with clean clothing; and provide job-skills training for teens and young adults with special needs through the Transition to Life program.

Friends of Rescue Animals in nearby Rowlett has a $40,000 Giving Day goal. The nonprofit partners with animal shelters, including Sachse Animal Shelter, to help homeless pets find homes by mobilizing volunteers, funding lifesaving programs and advocating for better outcomes for shelter animals.

Its programs range from cat rescue and veterinary care to heartworm treatment, emergency medical assistance and transportation for dogs from overcrowded Texas shelters to out-of-state destinations.

The organization estimates it spends about $125,000 annually on adoption and medical expenses for its cat rescue program, helping approximately 900 cats and kittens find homes each year. Another $60,000 annually helps transport approximately 400 dogs out of state, freeing kennel space in overcrowded shelters.

Friends of Rescue Animals also provides heartworm treatment for about 150 dogs each year and funds emergency medical care for shelter animals needing urgent treatment or surgery. Its Trap Neuter Return program provides sterilizations and vaccinations for approximately 400 unowned outdoor cats annually, helping prevent unwanted litters and reduce pressure on shelters during kitten season.

Nearby Wylie organizations also are participating in this year’s Giving Day, including nonprofits whose programs and services reach beyond the city.

In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Educational Center has set a $250,000 goal to help care for rescued exotic cats. The sanctuary spends more than $21,000 each month on food and more than $250,000 annually on medical care. This year’s campaign also will help transform previously unusable land into permanent sanctuary space and create new natural habitats. Donations of up to $18,000 are being matched during the campaign.

Hidden Pastures has a $15,000 goal to support its horse-centered farm experiences for youth, veterans, first responders, families and other community members. Donations help pay for feed, hay, veterinary and farrier care, scholarships and reduced-cost programs, fencing, shelters and pasture improvements.

Hope Bridge Pregnancy Resource Center is seeking $120,000 to support services for women and families facing unplanned pregnancies. Donations help provide pregnancy testing and ultrasounds, childbirth and parenting education, diapers, clothing and other essentials, along with one-on-one care from trained advocates and health professionals.

North Texas Giving Day is only part of the local nonprofit community. Not every organization participates in the annual event, and participation does not constitute an endorsement of an organization’s mission by Communities Foundation of Texas or its Giving Day partners.

Donors can search for participating nonprofits and make donations at NorthTexasGivingDay.org through Sept. 17.

Stay informed, and support your local community newspaper, subscribe to The Sachse News