Stories
Nov 12, 2025
Give Thanks and Give Back This Thanksgiving in Downtown Arlington
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s time to give thanks and give back. There are many ways
you can make an impact right here in Downtown Arlington, starting with one of our city’s
most cherished traditions: volunteering with Mission Arlington to help make Thanksgiving
brighter for thousands of neighbors.
Mission Arlington: A Thanksgiving Tradition of Service
Each year, Mission Arlington mobilizes hundreds of volunteers and delivers thousands of
meal baskets to families in need throughout our community. It’s more than food. It’s a
message of hope, connection and compassion for those who may otherwise go without.
Volunteers are needed beginning Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, to help pack and prepare turkey
baskets, and then assist with delivering them on or before Thanksgiving Day. On
Thanksgiving morning, volunteers arrive early to sort donations, load food boxes and
deliver meals directly to homes across Arlington.
How You Can Help
• Pack and Prepare Baskets: Join shifts starting November 17 to help assemble
turkeys, hams, and traditional Thanksgiving sides into baskets for families.
• Deliver Meals: On Thanksgiving morning, volunteer and load up cars and handdeliver baskets to those in need.
• Donate Food Items: Bring Thanksgiving staples like canned vegetables, stuffing mix,
cranberry sauce and pie filling to Mission Arlington’s campus downtown.
Mission Arlington
210 W. South Street, Arlington, TX 76010
Learn more or sign up: missionarlington.org/thanksgiving-2
Other volunteer options are available at Mission Arlington year-round.
Arlington Public Library: Give Back All Year Long
If you’re looking for ways to continue serving beyond Thanksgiving week, the Downtown
Arlington Public Library offers opportunities throughout the year.
Volunteers help with shelving books, assisting with children’s programs, greeting visitors
and supporting library events. Teens, college students and adults alike can get involved,
making this a great option for anyone who wants to stay connected and contribute
regularly to the downtown community.
Downtown Arlington Public Library
100 S. Center Street, Arlington, TX 76010
Explore opportunities: arlingtonlibrary.org/volunteer-opportunities
Parks & Recreation: Beautify Our Shared Spaces
For those who prefer hands-on, outdoor service, the Arlington Parks & Recreation
Department welcomes volunteers to help maintain and beautify local parks, gardens and
green spaces throughout the city.
Whether it’s planting flowers, picking up litter or assisting with community events,
volunteers play an important role in keeping Arlington’s parks vibrant and welcoming.
Group opportunities are also available for local businesses, schools and community
organizations looking to give back together.
Arlington Parks & Recreation
When we volunteer, we strengthen the heartbeat of Downtown Arlington. Whether you’re
delivering a turkey dinner, helping a child find their next favorite book or planting flowers in
a park, your efforts add up to a stronger, more connected community