Southlake's Red Bag Food Drive hit a milestone Oct. 7 when Mayor Shawn McCaskill and the City Council formally recognized the annual effort's 25th anniversary.

The recognition came during the City Council's Wednesday meeting, according to the city's official Facebook page. The council thanked Altrusa DFW, the nonprofit that organizes the drive, along with its volunteers, donors and community partners for a quarter-century of service. The city called the drive "a longstanding Southlake tradition."

Volunteers distribute red bags to homes across Southlake and surrounding communities. Residents fill them with canned goods and other shelf-stable items, and volunteers return to pick up the bags and deliver them to area food banks and pantries. Each year, the effort draws participation from businesses, schools and community organizations, collecting thousands of pounds of non-perishable food.

The drive's reach extends well beyond Southlake. In 2020, more than 100 volunteers distributed bags to homes in Southlake, Keller, Colleyville and Trophy Club, collecting 10 tons of food for four pantries: GRACE in Grapevine, Christ's Haven for Children, Community Storehouse and Community Enrichment Center, Southlake Style reported. Following that drive, Altrusa DFW said in a January 2021 statement that the organization looked forward to supporting the community for years to come through the food drive and other service projects.

The Oct. 7 recognition also drew support from local athletes. Carroll Dragon basketball players attended the council meeting, and the program confirmed it will partner with Altrusa DFW again for the 2026 drive. The program posted on X after the meeting:

@CarrollDragonBB: "Proud to have a few of our guys represent Dragon Hoops at the Southlake City Council meeting last night as the Altrusa DFW Red Bag Food Drive was recognized for 25 years of serving others. Excited to partner with Altrusa DFW again this year to help make a difference!"

Altrusa DFW has not announced a date for the 2026 Red Bag Food Drive collection. Residents interested in volunteering or donating can check with Altrusa DFW for updates.