ARLINGTON, Texas — Thousands of North Texas families stood in line this week to get help with their plans for a much merrier Christmas.
Liza Salinas and her children are among those who are finding hope and joy through the Seasons of Change nonprofit. After experiencing tough times, including homelessness, life has gotten easier.
"We've been through some really hard times,” Salinas said. “And so, we have been in shelters and now we are moving on up.”
Seasons of Change, founded by Tavian Harris, helps families in crisis through a wide range of support services. It's a personal mission for Harris based on her own life experiences.
“This was birthed out of my own experiences,” Harris said. “Being a teen mom and not having enough resources in the community to raise my children. I have two sons.”
The nonprofit’s annual holiday event offers families a unique shopping experience. They can choose toys, clothing, household essentials and food. It also connects families with social service vendors to address long-term needs.
“We do everything from housing young people, runaway homeless youth, to actually doing services in the community,” Tavian Harris said. “Serving moms and dads who may be going through crisis.”
The need in Arlington is significant. According to the U.S. Census, 13.1% of Arlington residents live in poverty. In the 76010 ZIP code, that number jumps to 24.4%, compared to the statewide average of 14.0%. Tavian added an even more heartbreaking reality about poverty to these stats.
"For minorities, the poverty rate is nearly 39%," Harris said.
This year, the Salinas family received a surprise gift they never expected. Harris had one of her hundreds of volunteers surprise them with a brand-new smart television. It brings even more joy to their holiday season because they have not been able to watch TV without one at home.
Harris insists the thousands of families who stand in line need a hand up and not a hand-out. Either way, she is overwhelmed with the joy she is experiencing just seeing how much the help is needed and the needs are being met thanks to her nonprofit organization.
“This is the love that I have for the people in this community," Harris said. "And this also shows how much the community trusts an organization like Seasons of Change.
The hundreds of volunteers helping Harris will continue distributing toys and other items through Saturday in Arlington at 2621 S. Cooper St. while supplies last. Registration for families needing help is still open.