Assistance League of Dallas Spreads Cheer
True compassion is a rare gift, but one group in Dallas spreads it almost daily.
Sharing their passion for helping others and giving back, The Assistance League of Dallas uses human contact to deliver hope to those in need. The Dallas chapter has been active for more than 40 years. Staffed by volunteers, members dedicate hours to those in tough circumstances.
“Every individual may select one or as many different avenues where they wish to share their time,” said club president Sheri Boone. “We’re very flexible.”
She cites the new PediPlace program, which allows volunteers to entertain, read to, and interact with children in the waiting rooms of doctor’s offices. The Tender Loving Care dolls program provides handmade dolls to senior citizens struggling with memory issues. The group also funds and purchases assault survivor kits to aid victims of abuse.
In addition to the new programs, Assistance League of Dallas continues its Cheers for Children initiative, visiting seriously ill children to deliver toys.
“We’ve raised money to buy toys for a very large toy cart,” said Carol Scott, vice president of marketing and communications. “We push that cart in the hall to every room at Children’s Medical Center and give every child a toy —we’ve had fathers with tears in their eyes.”
Other efforts include covering the cost of school uniforms for children in need; assisting with bingo nights at senior citizen facilities; and participating in Make a Difference Day each year.
“Fundraising is incredibly important to us,” Boone said. “When you give out over 13,000 toys, that’s sizable.”
Fundraisers occur throughout the year and include a large event at Southfork Ranch featuring bunko, raffles and silent auctions. Valentine’s Day cards and a holiday house bring in donations as well.
“We do it because we really want to help people,” Boone said. “Once people actually come see us and the programs we do and the good we do and the fun we have, we’re getting more members and that’s what we need.”
