Rockwall County Helping Hands saw food distribution jump 48% in 2026, serving more than 1,000 households in the first six months of the year. The organization also reports a significant increase in its overall client load.

The numbers land as Rockwall County nonprofits prepare for North Texas Giving Day on Thursday, Sept. 17.

The Children's Advocacy Center for Rockwall County served more than 700 children and family members in 2025, providing free services to families affected by abuse, trauma and violence. Both organizations are among dozens of county nonprofits seeking donations through the annual online campaign.

The figures were reported in a Rockwall County Herald-Banner editorial urging residents to give locally. The editorial did not name a spokesperson for either statistic, attributing the numbers to the organizations themselves.

North Texas Giving Day, now in its 18th year, is powered by Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT). CFT covers all transaction and technology fees, so 100% of each donation reaches the nonprofit.

In 2025, more than 100,000 North Texans donated $78 million to more than 3,500 nonprofits. The campaign has generated $712 million since it launched in 2009.

Jennifer Beasley, director of development and communications for Rockwall Helping Hands, described the organization's year-round focus in an Aug. 3 Herald-Banner article about its partnership with Toys for Tots: "This partnership is year-round and together, [we] look forward to finding even more ways to support local children and families in the years ahead."

As we reported Sept. 10, Lone Star CASA also reported serving 256 children so far in 2026.

Seventeen nonprofits will gather for the free Rock the Block celebration at The Harbor, 2059 Summer Lee Drive in Rockwall, on Sept. 17 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The event, held alongside Giving Day, features live music, family activities and giveaways, according to Blue Ribbon News. Participating groups include Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Texas, Grace Clinic, Meals on Wheels Senior Services of Rockwall County, Patriot PAWS Service Dogs and Women in Need, among others.

Early giving is open through Sept. 17 at northtexasgivingday.org.