With Thanksgiving around the corner and bitter-cold weather arriving earlier than expected, OurCalling is asking the public to donate new and gently used coats, pants and blankets to benefit homeless individuals during a drive-through, drop-off event on Wednesday (Nov. 23) from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. OurCalling is located at south of Downtown Dallas at 1702 S. Cesar Chavez Blvd, Dallas.

A nonprofit daytime outreach center, OurCalling has already given out more than 64,000 items this year, including clothing and hygiene products to men and women most vulnerable to the elements, living and sleeping on the streets, in the woods and under bridges.

"More than 300 men and women come to OurCalling daily, searching for help to get off the streets. While handing out a coat and a blanket may provide a homeless individual with temporary warmth, this interaction also allows OurCalling employees the opportunity to start conversations that can eventually lead us to helping them off the streets and finding a warm, PERMANENT place for them to live,” said Wayne Walker, CEO and pastor of OurCalling.

The drive is part of OurCalling’s bigger Thanksgiving celebration planned that day (Nov. 23). More than 250 volunteers will be on hand to serve – and share – a meal with approximately 500 homeless individuals, many who have lost touch with friends and family. The volunteers also will be decorating the tables with dishes and décor brought from their homes. Norma’s Café, a Dallas institution known for Texas home cooking, is catering the decadent meals complete with turkey and all the fixings plus the requisite pumpkin and pecan pies.

Tax receipts will be provided for all donations made. For more information, go to ourcalling.org.

ABOUT OUR CALLING 
OurCalling is a faith-based, daytime outreach center for the unsheltered homeless. Located south of Downtown Dallas, the nonprofit serves more than 400 homeless men and women each day. OurCalling also offers various unique and first-of-its-kind services to Dallas’ homeless population, including zero-barrier entry (no ID required), private locking shower rooms, publicly accessible toilets, and laundry services (provided by staff and volunteers). The center also has private counseling rooms, classrooms, a worship center and, most importantly, space for training, educating, collaborating and investing in long-term change, including exiting homelessness and abusive situations. Each day, OurCalling encounters victims of sex trafficking, drug trafficking, labor trafficking, and domestic violence. Learn more at ourcalling.org.