North Texas Giving Day: Local Ways to Give Back Around Justin
North Texas Giving Day is September 17, and there are plenty of ways to support organizations doing good work right here in and around Justin.
One especially close to home is the Community Clothes Closet, located on West 6th Street in Justin. The nonprofit has been providing free clothing, shoes and personal items to families since 2012 and serves families in Denton and surrounding counties.
A Justin Shout-Out: Gwen St. Clair
Behind the Community Clothes Closet is a group of volunteers and community supporters who keep the organization going — and we’d especially like to give a shout-out to Gwen St. Clair, the organization’s Executive Coordinator.
Gwen is the contact listed by the City of Justin for the Community Clothes Closet, and she’s part of the local effort that has helped the organization continue serving families for more than a decade.
The numbers show just how much work goes into that mission. During the first eight months of 2026, the Clothes Closet reports serving an average of 178 families per month, representing 1,006 family members and distributing more than 7,000 articles of clothing, shoes and accessories.
And right now, the organization is asking for help with some very practical needs:
- New socks, underwear and shoes
- Winter coats for children
- Children’s clothing in sizes where inventory is limited
The organization also points out something we sometimes forget: providing clothing can free up a family’s limited income for necessities such as food and housing.
And They’re Not the Only Ones
Community Clothes Closet is just one of several organizations in our area participating in or benefiting from North Texas Giving Day.
Apollo Support & Rescue
Apollo Support & Rescue is another very local option.
The organization operates a 5-acre facility in Justin and focuses on rescuing abused and abandoned dogs and cats in North Texas. Apollo says it relies on donations to provide care and that emergency animal care averages nearly $20,000 per month.
For people who prefer to donate supplies rather than money, Apollo maintains a current list of needed items, including:
- Dog and puppy food
- Cat and kitten food
- Cat litter
- Blankets and towels
- Laundry detergent
- Paper towels
- Treats
- Cleaning supplies
- Crates and collars
Apollo’s Justin facility is at 1170 Dove Hill Road.
Why it caught our attention: It’s literally in our backyard, and there are multiple ways to help — donations, supplies, fostering, volunteering or adoption.
Northwest ISD Education Foundation
Northwest ISD Education Foundation
The Northwest ISD Education Foundation is headquartered at 2001 Texan Drive in Justin and is participating in North Texas Giving Day.
The foundation supports NISD educators and students through teaching grants and student scholarships, along with its Resource Store & Library.
That resource store gives NISD educators access to school and classroom supplies, books, snack packs and personal items for students at no cost. The foundation also accepts in-kind donations and volunteers to help stock and operate the resource store.
Why it caught our attention: It’s an opportunity to support teachers and students without having to look outside the community.
United Way of Denton County
United Way of Denton County is also participating in North Texas Giving Day.
The organization works across Denton County in four broad areas: healthy communities, youth opportunity, financial security and community resiliency. Its programs and partner organizations address needs including food access, mental health, homelessness, financial stability and support for children and families.
United Way says its donations stay in Denton County and support local needs. Its current North Texas Giving Day listing reports that 54,723 Denton County residents received services in 2024 from agencies supported by United Way of Denton County donations.
Why it caught our attention: If you don’t have one particular cause in mind, this is an option for supporting a broader range of needs throughout Denton County.
CASA of Denton County
CASA — Court Appointed Special Advocates — works with children in Denton County who have experienced abuse or neglect.
The organization trains and supports community volunteers who advocate for children’s best interests while they move through the child welfare and court systems.
CASA’s North Texas Giving Day profile reports that its volunteers advocated for 577 children in fiscal year 2024, with 204 community volunteer advocates. The organization estimates it costs about $2,500 to provide advocacy for one child for a year.
Why it caught our attention: This is a local way to support children who are going through an incredibly difficult time.
Ranch Hands Rescue — Justin
Ranch Hands Rescue is another Justin-based organization participating in North Texas Giving Day.
Its work combines animal rescue and human services. The organization operates a farm animal sanctuary for abused and neglected horses and livestock and also operates Bob’s House of Hope, a safe house for young adult male survivors of sex trafficking.
Its current Giving Day profile identifies needs including funding for survivor services, household supplies, food and care for its therapy animals.
Why it caught our attention: It’s another organization doing work right here in Justin that many residents may not realize is part of our community.
And Then There Are the Wildfires
The wildfire situation deserves its own category rather than simply being lumped into North Texas Giving Day.
As of early September, multiple wildfires remain active across Texas, and the Texas Division of Emergency Management says increased fire danger remains a threat across the northern half of the state.
The Ross Fire in Palo Pinto County, which began August 24, has burned more than 90,000 acres and remains an active response. More than 1,000 firefighters have responded, according to recent reporting citing Texas A&M Forest Service information.
If you want to help:
Give through established organizations
During an active disaster, needs can change quickly. Rather than sending money or supplies to an unfamiliar social-media fundraiser, look for verified relief organizations or official requests.
If you were affected
TDEM directs Texans affected by wildfire damage to report that damage through iSTAT and says people can call 2-1-1 for information about evacuation shelters and other resources.
Remember the firefighters, too
Wildfire response involves firefighters, emergency management personnel, volunteers and support crews from communities across Texas. Donations to established disaster-response organizations can help provide assistance during the response and recovery phases.
Give Where It Means Something
There is no required amount for North Texas Giving Day.
You can give $5.
You can buy a bag of dog food.
You can donate children’s clothing.
You can support a classroom.
You can volunteer.
Or you can simply share an organization’s information with someone who might be able to help.
The point isn’t how much you give. It’s finding a place where your help can make a difference.
And around Justin, there are plenty of places to start.
North Texas Giving Day — September 17, 2026
