Small ways that you can make a big difference

School fundraiser

The annual fundraiser at Mata Elementary is Havana Nights themed this year. Enjoy mojitos and a Cuban-inspired dinner while dancing and bidding on items to benefit the elementary school. A membership to the KayCee Pool is up for the highest bidder this year. The event is Feb. 24 from 6:30-10 p.m. at the KayCee Club at 10110 Shoreview Road. Tickets are $60. Visit matamontessori.ejoinme.org/tickets for more information.

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Race for Make a Wish Foundation

This year’s Hot Chocolate 5k and 15k starts in Fair Park but quickly makes its way into East Dallas. The race is Feb. 3, with the 5k starting at 7:30 a.m. and the 15k at 8:15 a.m. The race will follow Bryan St., Greenville and La Vista before heading back down the Santa Fe Trail. The race benefits the Make a Wish Foundation, which helps children with critical illnesses have unforgettable experiences. To volunteer for the race or to take part, visit hotchocolate15k.com.

Mentor in the neighborhood

Help out local youth by volunteering at the East Dallas Boys & Girls Club. The nonprofit’s programming benefits young people by providing help in education, career, character and leadership development, health and life skills, and the arts. Visit bgcdallas.org to learn more.

Be a literacy leader

Use your brain while you volunteer at the Aberg Center for Literacy. The center hopes to build strong families through programs in English fluency, preparation for high school equivalency in English and Spanish, early childhood education, and family literacy. Volunteers can teach an English as a Second Language Class, help someone get their GED, provide childcare or help a student with homework. Visit abergcenter.org for more information.