A season of giving made a lasting impact.
During the 2025 holiday season, communities across North Central Texas came together, raising a remarkable $93,110 through the Light the World Giving Machines to support Evergreen Life Services.
This incredible total reflects more than generosity; it represents hope, opportunity, and a shared commitment to supporting individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) in our North Central Texas division.
We are especially grateful to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for choosing Evergreen Life Services as a beneficiary of the 2025 Texas Giving Machines. By sponsoring these machines, the Church allows people to instantly purchase items preselected by local charities to benefit that charity’s programs and services. The Church covers all operational and transaction costs, meaning 100% of every donation goes directly to the local nonprofit organizations.
Set against the festive backdrops of Historic Downtown McKinney, the Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington, and Grapevine, known as the Christmas Capital of Texas, the bright red Texas Giving Machines turned everyday giving into a meaningful, hands-on experience. Instead of purchasing snacks or drinks, donors selected essential items, including groceries, clothing, dental care, transportation, and home maintenance. All
critical resources that directly support Evergreen Life Services programs and the incredible individuals with I/DD who we serve.
What made this season truly unforgettable wasn’t just the amount raised; it was the experience itself. Families, businesses, schools, and community groups gathered around the machines, creating moments that were as emotional as they were joyful. Children proudly used their own savings to give back. Parents and grandparents shared in teaching the value of compassion. And time after time, donors paused at the machines, smiling, reflecting, even tearing up, as they chose to make a difference. It was a fun, emotional, and deeply heartwarming sight: a steady stream of people coming together, one by one, to give with intention.
Every dollar turned into real, tangible support for the individuals we serve. Here’s what that impact looks like in action:
- Dental Care – Providing cleanings and fillings that improve overall health, relieve pain, and restore confidence
- Therapy Animal Care – Supporting animals that bring comfort, connection, and emotional support to individuals every day
- Home Repairs – Maintaining safe, accessible community homes where individuals can live with dignity and independence
- A Week of Groceries – Feeding six people in a home for an entire week, ensuring stability and peace of mind
- Transportation (Gasoline) – Helping individuals get to work, medical appointments, and daily programs that build independence
“Every donation helps someone take another step toward independence and dignity,” said Hannah Sewell, Director of Development for Evergreen’s Western Region. “But seeing that total come together, knowing what it represents for the future of the individuals Evergreen serves, is incredibly powerful.”
She continued, “These funds don’t just meet immediate needs. They help us grow and strengthen our programs, ensuring individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have access to the care, support, and opportunities they deserve, not just today, but long into the future.”
As a nonprofit organization providing essential disability services, Evergreen Life Services relies on community support to bridge the gap where public funding falls short. The funds raised through the Texas Giving Machines will directly enhance services such as safe and accessible housing, transportation, healthcare access, and daily living support, key components that empower individuals with I/DD to live more independently and fully engage in their communities.
From North Central Texas, the impact of this generosity will be felt for years to come, supporting not only current needs but the continued growth and sustainability of Evergreen’s programs.
This milestone would not have been possible without the countless volunteers, donors, partners, and supporters who made the season so special. Your time, generosity, and belief in this mission created something truly meaningful. The Light the World Giving Machines once again proved that giving can be both simple and transformative, turning small moments into life-changing outcomes.
Want to be a part of what’s next?
There are many ways to support Evergreen Life Services and continue expanding programs for individuals with I/DD. To learn more about donation opportunities, partnerships, or how you can get involved, please contact:
Hannah Sewell
Senior Development Director
[email protected]
(214) 945-6599