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Woman volunteer hands holding food donation box with food grocery products. Donations for charity, food bank
Altrusa International of DFW, Inc. is once again rallying the community to fight food insecurity through its long-standing Holiday Hunger Relief Project, a tradition that has supported families across Northeast Tarrant County for more than 20 years. The annual initiative mobilizes thousands of volunteers, engages multiple service organizations, and fills the shelves of local social service agencies at a critical time of year.
How the Red Bag Program Works
On December 6–7, 2025, volunteers will deliver more than 9,500 bright red donation bags to homes in Southlake, as well as parts of Keller, Westlake, and Trophy Club. Residents are encouraged to fill the bags with nonperishable food items. Volunteers will return to collect the donations on Sunday, December 14.
Immediately afterward, Altrusa members and volunteers will sort and deliver the food to local agencies that serve families experiencing food insecurity. For those who prefer to drop off items directly, a Red Bag Barrel will be located inside Tom Thumb Southlake, and donations will also be accepted on December 14 from 1–4 p.m. at Carroll Senior High School.
“The Holiday Hunger project brings neighbors together for a common purpose,” said Barbara Bedwell, Altrusa DFW project chair. “Every can, every box of food, and every dollar makes a difference for families who might otherwise struggle through the holidays.”
Powered by Student and Community Volunteers
The Red Bag delivery effort is supported by an impressive network of youth service organizations and community groups, including:
Young Men's Service League (Southlake & Lakes chapters)
National Charity League (Southlake & Trophy Club chapters)
National Honor Society at Byron Nelson High School
Key Club at Carroll High School and Carroll Senior High School
Scholars and Athletes Serving Others (SASO) Southlake chapter
Numerous individual residents and families
Their combined efforts help ensure widespread distribution and successful collection each year.
Altrusa DFW also acknowledges the Southlake Women’s Club Foundation for its generous grant supporting the 2025 Holiday Hunger Relief Project.
Expanding the Mission: Supporting CISD Staff
Three years ago, Altrusa DFW expanded its impact by adding a meaningful new component to the project: holiday gift baskets for non-salaried Carroll ISD employees, including those working in child nutrition, custodial services, groundskeeping, and maintenance. Each recipient receives a festive holiday bag filled with food items and a Tom Thumb gift card, offering appreciation and practical support during the season.
How to Contribute
Community members can participate by:
Filling and returning a red donation bag
Dropping off items at Tom Thumb Southlake or at Carroll Senior High School on Dec. 14
Making a monetary contribution to support the project
With the help of thousands of neighbors, Altrusa DFW continues its mission to ensure that no family in Northeast Tarrant County faces the holidays hungry.