Looking for Christmas Help? Here are Some Churches That Help With Christmas
Christmas Help varies by organization and local community. There are many places giving away free Christmas gifts to children and food boxes in 2024 to the working poor or households facing hardship.
There are also toy drives available in each state on the list of holiday charities near you, listed below.
Christmas Help for Families Struggling Financially
If your family is struggling financially, here’s how you might be able to get some extra holiday gifts for your children.
You may be eligible to participate in one of the following organizations that help families struggling financially get free holiday toys for their children.
During the 2024 holiday season, low-income families can get free holiday toys, gifts, treats, and meals. One goal of these programs, like those offered by the Salvation Army, a local charity, or a church, is to support households with children or seniors. However, anyone currently experiencing hardship can apply for holiday help at a charity in their area.
What Special Programs Do Churches Provide for Christmas to Needy Families and Children?
Families who qualify check off what they need from a list of practical items and can then add things like coats (with sizes), boots, shoes, a basketball, etc.
- Hang tags (color-coded by family) with items and ages (or sizes) are placed on our church tree for people to pick up.
- The item is purchased gift-wrapped and returned with the tag attached. (Families pick up on a weekday in privacy.)
- Churches also collect new socks for the House of Neighborly Services charity and used shoes (a county-wide effort).
- Local churches are sponsors of the Loveland Community Kitchen. We donate food and volunteer in the kitchen facilities.
- In every parish, there are people in need who are helped and people donate to a “poor box” located in our Narthex.
- Every month, there is a charity project in addition to the Community Kitchen.
Types of Christmas Assistance You May Get This Year
Assistance programs provide different types of support, often targeted to specific needs, such as gifts for children, food assistance, and utility assistance. Here are the main types of holiday assistance available:
- Toy and Gift Programs: These programs provide gifts to children, ensuring that everyone can experience the magic of Christmas. Some churches also provide gift cards to low-income families.
- Food Assistance and Holiday Dinners: Many organizations offer holiday food baskets or community dinners.
- Financial and Utility Assistance: For families struggling to pay bills, some charities offer financial support to keep homes warm and comfortable during the winter season.
- Winter Clothing and Essentials: Programs often distribute coats, blankets, and winter accessories to help families stay warm.
How to Get Christmas Help in 2024?
The various holiday assistance programs offered by The Salvation Army in 2024, as well as many other charities or churches, provide free holiday meals, toys, clothing, gifts, and other assistance. A charity will also offer holiday help for seniors residing at home or deliver a free meal or food basket and food vouchers.
The programs also go by various names. Depending on where you live and your local Salvation Army branch, holiday assistance programs may be called Adopt-A-Family, The Angel Giving Tree, Toys For Tots, or even something generic like holiday food baskets. Some local branches may also participate in distributing thousands of winter jackets through the Coats for Kids program.
National Programs Offering Christmas Assistance for Low-Income Families
Here are the national programs that offer free Christmas assistance for low-income families:
1. The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program
The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program is one of the most popular holiday assistance programs. Families in need can register their children to receive toys, clothing, and other essential items. The program works by “adopting” children through donations from generous community members.
✅How to apply: Visit your local Salvation Army branch or register online through the official Salvation Army website.
✅Who can benefit: Low-income families with children ages 12 and younger are eligible.
2. Toys for Tots
Organized by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Toys for Tots distributes new, unwrapped toys to children whose families cannot afford Christmas gifts. This national initiative works with local charities and organizations to reach as many families as possible.
✅How to apply: Applications are available through local Toys for Tots campaigns. Visit toysfortots.org for more information and to find a local campaign.
✅Who can benefit: Families with children in need of Christmas gifts, typically ages 0-12.
3. Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities offers a variety of Christmas assistance programs across the country. Services vary by location but may include Christmas food baskets, toys, winter clothing, and sometimes financial assistance to pay bills. Catholic Charities also hosts community Christmas events with meals and celebrations.
✅How to apply: Contact your local Catholic Charities office or check their website for location-specific programs.
✅Who can benefit: Low-income families and people of all ages, regardless of religious affiliation.
4. Operation Christmas Child by Samaritan’s Purse
Operation Christmas Child distributes shoeboxes filled with gifts to children in need around the world. Each box contains toys, school supplies, hygiene items, and more. While it primarily serves children around the world, low-income families in specific areas can also benefit.
✅How to apply: Contact a local church or organization that partners with Samaritan’s Purse or visit samaritanspurse.org for more information.
✅Who can benefit: Children in low-income communities and high-need areas around the world.
5. United Way Christmas Assistance Programs
United Way partners with local charities, churches, and community organizations to provide a variety of holiday assistance programs. Services vary by location and may include gifts for children, food baskets, and financial support.
✅How to apply: Call 211 or visit 211.org to connect with local United Way programs.
✅Who can benefit: Low-income families, seniors, and people who need holiday support.
- Read More: Churches That Help Low-income Families
How to Apply for Local Holiday Assistance?
In addition to national programs, many local churches, charities, and community organizations provide holiday support. Here’s how to access these resources:
1. Contact local churches and faith-based organizations
Churches often host holiday assistance programs, such as holiday gift drives, food distributions, and clothing donations. Nondenominational churches, as well as Catholic, Baptist, and Methodist churches, often have holiday assistance programs open to the community.
2. Use community resource websites
Websites like FindHelp.org and AuntBertha.com list local assistance programs, including holiday-specific resources. These directories allow you to search for services in your area based on your zip code.
3. Visit community centers and food banks
Local food banks and community centers often offer holiday programs, where food baskets and sometimes toys are provided for children. Check with nearby centers to find out what services are available during the holiday season.
Find Additional Help, Gifts, or Free Toys at Christmas
In most communities, there are free clothing banks and thrift stores. They can sell or give away gently used clothing or toys to the general public, which can then be used as Christmas gifts by those families. Some of the centers near you may even provide vouchers or gift certificates to qualifying low-income families.
These can be used to purchase free items during the holidays at clothing stores. Find more on free clothes and items from clothing closets.
Conclusion – Churches That Help With Christmas
Churches play a critical role in supporting their communities during the holiday season. By providing food, gifts, financial help, and other forms of assistance, they help ensure that everyone can experience the joy and warmth of the holidays. If you need help or want to contribute, reaching out to local churches is a great way to make a positive impact this Christmas.
