Annual Events

Learn more about all of Wilkinson Center’s Annual Events!

Fundraisers

Stock Up for SummerStock Up for Summer: Our families have been hit hard with rising food costs and kids missing their school-provided meals during the summer. They come to us seeking assistance. Stock Up for Summer is our response to families grappling with an uncertain summer. Support Stock Up for Summer to ensure our pantry shelves are filled with kid-friendly foods all summer long.

North Texas Giving DayNorth Texas Giving Day: This annual online giving event was started in 2009 by the Communities Foundation of Texas. The event is designed to empower every person to give back to their community by supporting local nonprofits and causes they care about in one easy-to-use platform. North Texas Giving Day typically takes place on a Thursday in September. Wilkinson Center appreciates your support on North Texas Giving Day.

Pantry in the ParkPantry in the Park: This exciting new “party for a purpose” is held at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden in the fall. Guests are treated to cocktails, a wide selection of heavy appetizers, a silent auction and more, all while learning more about the important work of Wilkinson Center in our community.

Putt Fore the PantryPutt Fore the Pantry: Putt Fore the Pantry is unique event that brings our community together for a fun day of golf. Enjoy 18 holes of scramble-format golf, lunch, cocktails, dinner, opportunities to win prizes, fun activities, an inspiring program and more, all while supporting Wilkinson Center’s mission.

Year-End Giving CampaignYear-End Giving Campaign: Our final fundraiser of the year to support our everyday mission – to transform the lives of Dallas families by providing pathways out of poverty. Our work is important, but it is not easy. We could never do it without the inspiration we draw from clients and without your generous support.

Programs

Adult Education GraduationAdult Education Graduation: Each year, Wilkinson Center proudly recognizes our adult learners who have earned their GEDs or high school equivalencies with a full cap and gown ceremony and reception. These adults have the opportunity to celebrate their momentous achievement in front of friends and family during this summer ceremony.

Annual Carlin Morris Shoe Drive and DistributionAnnual Carlin Morris Back-to-School Drive and Distribution: Carlin Morris started the Shoe Drive in 1986 and since that time, the program has supplied over 40,000 children with new shoes and socks to start the school year. During this annual distribution, Wilkinson Center coordinates with a retail shoe store and children with their parents come in and choose a new pair of shoes and socks. For many, these are the only new shoes they will receive that year.
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Turkey Drive and DistributionTurkey Drive and Distribution: Wilkinson Center solicits donations from organizations and distributes over 500 turkey baskets to our clients. These baskets contain all of the fixings for a full Thanksgiving meal, along with either a frozen turkey or a Butterball voucher that clients can redeem at a grocery store for a turkey, ham, or vegetarian entrée.

Toy Drive and DistributionHolidays at Wilkinson Center Toy Drive and Distribution: Each year, Holidays at Wilkinson Center brings smiles to children’s faces and helps make the holidays magical for our families. Over 2,000 toys, bikes, and gift cards are collected and donated by organizational partners and distributed at an all-day event on a Saturday in December. Kids come make a craft and get their pictures taken with Santa Claus. Parents choose toys for their children from the donations, and volunteers then wrap and carry out the gifts. This is a fun-filled family event that we all look forward to every holiday season!

Volunteers

Volunteer Appreciation LuncheonVolunteer Appreciation Luncheon: As an expression of Wilkinson Center’s gratitude for our volunteers, each April we host a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, where we take the time to thank our over 800 volunteers who give more than 7,000 hours of service each year to the organization. This Luncheon typically coincides with National Volunteer Appreciation Week.

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