Here are four ways city staff and community partners are working hand in hand to make the season brighter for residents, from pet care and utility assistance to toy drives.
1. Pets Are Family: free pet care event on December 13.
On December 13, the Denton Animal Support Foundation will host the region-wide Pets Are Family event at the North Texas Rodeo Fairgrounds. This program, which has operated across the DFW metroplex for five years, is coming to Denton for the first time.
Its goal is to keep pets healthy, safe and with their families by removing financial barriers that lead to shelter surrenders. Last year, similar events saw about 750 animals and 500 families.
Residents can come by without registering to receive free pet food, core vaccinations, rabies vaccines and microchipping for dogs and cats.
The focus is community-wide support, and anyone across the region can attend.
Chief Communications Officer Dustin Sternbeck emphasized the mission behind the event.
“[This event] is really designed with shelter intake diversion as the primary goal,” he said.
Location: 2217 N. Carroll Blvd., Denton
2. Powerful Connections: gifting utility payments.
Denton’s Powerful Connections program, launched last fall, allows community members to gift utility payments, covering electricity, water, solid waste and recycling, to any individual, business or an anonymous family.
Residents can donate online or in person. While account numbers help, they’re not required. Once applied, the gift appears as a credit on the recipient’s bill, along with a letter from the city notifying them of the donation. Optional printed cards allow donors to present the gift as part of their holiday giving.
The program is available year-round, but the holiday season often inspires residents to give.
Sternbeck said the city created the initiative as a way to match Denton’s spirit of generosity with practical impact.
“There is a segment of our community that is always willing to give back, and I think [this program] is a perfect marriage between municipal organizations that are constantly looking for ways to provide efficient and effective services to the community, along with a community of people who are willing to help their neighbors,” Sternbeck said.
3. Toys for Tots: a tradition of holiday giving.
Each year, the City of Denton partners with Toys for Tots to help ensure children across the community experience the joy of the season.
Residents can drop off new, unwrapped toys. The regional team of Toys for Tots manages registration and distribution, and Denton’s facilities play an essential role in helping families access support.
Last year, the city amplified donations by hosting a smaller holiday gathering at City Hall. The gathering included decorations, a visit from Santa and hot cocoa for families.
Drop-off locations: Libraries, parks and recreation centers, and administrative buildings
4. Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign.
Denton’s partnership with the Salvation Army continues this year as part of the annual Red Kettle campaign. The effort is mayor-led and community-driven, and it raises funds for residents who need shelter, meals, gifts and essential support.
On December 13, city staff and volunteers will be stationed at the Hobby Lobby on Hwy. 288, ringing bells and encouraging passersby to give. An online option is also available through the mayor’s social media pages.
Sternbeck noted that Denton participates year after year because the Salvation Army’s mission aligns closely with the city’s own values of neighbor-to-neighbor care.
Location: 2217 S. Loop 288, Denton
Staying connected and getting involved
Beyond seasonal initiatives, Sternbeck encouraged residents to stay engaged with the city year-round.
Denton offers multiple ways for residents to stay informed. These include the Denton Ya’ Know monthly newsletter, as well as the Denton 311 app and phone line for service requests and city information.
He also emphasized the importance of civic involvement, whether that’s attending council meetings, connecting with district representatives or joining local conversations about development and community needs.
“There is an opportunity for everybody to be involved,” Sternbeck said.
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The above story was produced by Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
