6th Annual Catalyst Christmas
BE A CATALYST FOR GOOD THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas invites you to be part of something truly meaningful this holiday season. Our 6th Annual Catalyst Christmas will be held on December 13th, 2025. It's a one-day community outreach event designed to deliver food, essential items, and holiday cheer directly to individuals and families in need across North Texas.
We’re excited to welcome the North Texas Food Bank as a new food partner, along with NTFB partner agencies Crossroads Community Services and The Flanagan Foundation for 2025. These partnerships will help us reach and serve even more families across North Texas.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
1. DONATE
Your financial support helps us fill every holiday gift box with pantry staples, essential supplies, and festive treats. Every contribution—big or small—makes a real difference for a local family. We also welcome in-kind donations of essential items and non-perishable food.
Toiletry Essentials (full-size, gender-neutral preferred):
- Bar soap or body wash
- Deodorant
- Shampoo and Conditioner
- Toothpaste and individually packaged toothbrushes
- Face wash, combs, hairbrushes, hand soap
Non-Perishable Foods & Holiday Treats:
- Hot cocoa, coffee, spices
- Packaged cookies
- Festive snacks
To coordinate an in-kind donation, please contact: Latecia Patton – Lpatton@ymcadallas.org
A financial donation to our Catalyst Initiative and Community Impact programming will directly support our upcoming 2025 Catalyst Christmas Initiative on December 13th. Your contributions can supply vital items like non-perishable food, toiletries, household essentials, blankets, socks, and much more. Together, we can foster a more connected and supportive community for all. Thank you for your commitment to making a difference!
Donate today and be a part of the change!
2. VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME
Join us in spreading hope and holiday cheer across North Texas. From sorting out supplies to delivering holiday boxes, every role plays a vital part in reaching individuals and families who need it most. Whether you can give a few hours or a full day, your time and energy will help bring comfort, dignity, and connection to our community. Volunteer opportunities include:
Sort Non-Perishable Food & Essential Supplies
Location: Park South Family YMCA - 2500 Romine Ave., Dallas, TX 75215
Dates & Times: Wednesday, December 10 | 10 AM – 8 PM & Thursday, December 11 | 10 AM – 8 PM (2-hour volunteer shifts available)
Load Holiday Boxes into Vehicles
Location: Park South Family YMCA
Dates: Friday, December 12| 11 AM – 2 PM (1-hour volunteer shifts available)
Pack, Assemble & Deliver Holiday Boxes
Location: Your selected YMCA branch
Dates: Saturday, December 13| 9 AM – 1 PM
SIGN UP
3. SPREAD THE WORD
Together, we can make this season brighter for thousands across our community. Donate items, give your time, or help spread the word—every act of kindness counts. Join us and be a Catalyst for Good!
ABOUT CATALYST CHRISTMAS
Catalyst Christmas was born in December 2020, during one of the most challenging times in our shared history. As the pandemic took hold, we began asking: How can we reach our most vulnerable neighbors—those homebound, isolated, or struggling—in a way that truly matters during the holiday season?
What began as a grassroots act of compassion—delivering holiday gift boxes with food, essentials, and messages of encouragement to 100 families — has grown into a powerful expression of community care.
WHY IT MATTERS
According to Feeding Texas, 1 in 8 Texans faces food insecurity—including seniors, veterans, children, and working families. Catalyst Christmas directly responds to this crisis, providing:
- Nutritious food and essential supplies
- Personal care items
- A restored sense of belonging and care
This initiative brings the YMCA’s mission to life: nurturing the mind, body, and spirit for all.