Christmas Help for Low Income Families
Don’t Wait Until Winter to Find Christmas Help
| This year (2010), charitable agencies expect to have an increase in the number of families seeking assistance for the coming holidays over the amount they serviced in 2008 and 2009. There are national and local agencies offering Christmas help for low income families, but it is important that you contact them as soon as you can if you are a low income family in need of Christmas help. |
If you are in need of free toys this Christmas for your children and need help in feeding your family a holiday meal, please contact your local branch of each of the following agencies in August. Ask them how and when you should contact them to get your family on their lists. Most of the agencies have deadlines so they can plan for their holiday giving. When it comes time to register for assistance, it will help to have your children’s first names, ages, sizes, and wish list written down before you contact them.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provides a large social services program to help needy people of all ages. Donations provide free Christmas toys, dinners, and clothing for families in need. For Thanksgiving and Christmas help, you need to contact your local Salvation Army for details on how to register for holiday food baskets and Christmas toys ASAP! The time is now to make sure your family is on their reservation list.
Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots is a U.S. Marine Corps charity that collects new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December annually for Christmas. These free Christmas toys are distributed to children of low income families around the United States. Marine Toys for Tots makes it simple for you to receive free toys for your children, or for someone else. Search for the donation site in your state , follow their directions, and contact your local Coordinator.
United Way
United Way is accepting applications for free holiday food and toy assistance. To apply, families may need to present a picture identification card, Social Security cards for all family members, current proof of household income, proof of address (utility bill), and birth certificates or proof of custody for children ages 12 and under. Find your local United Way. The United Way can also direct you to agencies that can help you pay utility bills. Be sure to register for the Angel Tree program for your children to receive new Christmas gifts from local families.
Local Houses of Worship
Many local churches also offer free Christmas toys, meals, and clothes to families low income families. Be sure to reach out to churches in your community.
PLEASE READ: 2009 – I have received requests from young mothers for helping provide Christmas gifts for their children. As much as I would love to bring smiles to children on Christmas, I am not financially able to do so. All I can do is post information on where families in need may go for assistance - read through all the posts under the category help for families in need.
Last 5 posts in help for families in need
- Christmas Tree Recycling Network - September 5th, 2010
- Christmas Help: Donate or Receive a Christmas Tree - August 18th, 2010
- Toys for Tots: Christmas Toys for Low-Income Children - August 18th, 2010
- Sign Up for Christmas Help Reminder - August 15th, 2010
- Help with Debt Relief: Pay Day Loans - July 10th, 2010
Tags: christmas help, free food, free holiday help, free toys for christmas, help for low income families, salvation army, toys for tots, united way
October 5th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
i was woundering if some body will help me an my kids for christmas my name is sasha im 17 i have a 9 month old son an a baby boy that will be hear in november i draw dissability so im not able do do much an after im done paying rent an utilitys an buying food to keep my son an my self full with food an something to drink well all i can do is ask so thanks
October 20th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
i’m trying to find a charity to help me with presents for my 4 kids. I am a single mother and one of them is disabled. 3 of them have asthma and 1 has severe allergies so i’m always on the go and it’s hard to keep a job because somebody always have to go to the doctor.
October 25th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
i have 4 kids we need help with christmas and dont have a car we need help can u help us call …. thank you
October 26th, 2009 at 10:54 am
I have received many requests for help. Unfortunately, I am unable to help individual families. Please call your local agencies ASAP – they are there to help you in your time of need. For most, you must register in advance so that the agencies can provide your children with gifts. I hope the information I have posted on NanaFinds does help you.
November 3rd, 2009 at 10:04 am
thank you your page was the most helpful!
November 3rd, 2009 at 3:21 pm
I’m a young single mom strugling 2 make ends met just 2 pay the bills. I really need help this year. I just want my son 2 hav a merry christmas. The past 2 year I couldn’t really afford toyz or any thing. I was lucky enough 2 get him diapers and ect. Please help us. It would mean a lot us.
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:46 pm
i would like to sign up for help but i dont know where to go. please i really need the help this yr for thanksgiving and christmas. i am a mom of three kids and i am disabled
November 6th, 2009 at 11:28 am
I am a single parent and haven’t been receiving my child support. i have to wait till the end of the month for a pay check and have no money for food,dentist, or gas, It is very depressing to even think about the holidays. i want my daughter to be happy. Please help.
November 6th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
I’m sorry, I’m not in a position to help. Please contact the organizations mentioned in my posts as soon as possible. If you find additional resources that will help you and others, please share them here on NanaFinds.com.
November 8th, 2009 at 1:49 am
Thank you for your resources, your website its the only one that go’s strait to the point.. (God bless you) Thanks!
November 9th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
The past 2 christmases we have not been able to afford anything. We are losing our home. Our small business is closing it’s doors. We have 2 boys ages 3 and 4. We will not be able to celebrate Christmas this year, either. I am hoping that we can still stay in our house… Any help with toys would be a blessing. Thanks for your help.
November 9th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
hi, i know you have said you can not help but for anyone reading this that can help, please . i am a single mother of 2, with no family, my daughter has asthma real bad and severe allergies (like milk ,pepper,ect.) my son has asthma real bad. now i have never needed help before, so therefore have never asked, because i have always had a job since i was 15yr. until i injured my hands and can not do the work i used to (hard labor), then with in that same year i was in a wreck, and now i can barely walk, i have to have surgery on both ankles my back and my neck. so my dr.’s have told me i can not work at all. and for some odd reason i dont qualify for disability .now i have no money for bills, or christmas this year, now my kids dont believe in santa, but they do know the REAL reason why we celebrate. but i would be nice to be able to give then something on that day. so please if you can help or know where i can go…
November 10th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
i have 4 children and im a single mother. i need some assistance with making they have the christmas that they truly deserve!! can anyone please help?
November 10th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
hi my name is alicia living with schizophernia and im not able to work bot i would love for my two boys to have a christmas with gifts like other children and if there is anyone out there can open there hearts to my son’s ages 9 and 14 thank god bless
November 11th, 2009 at 12:33 am
hi i am a mother with a 18 ,17,and 12 year old sons i also have my sons wife and their 19 month old child living with me.i am the only one with any money coming in and i live off ssi.i am looking for some help with christmas gifts for my 12 yr. old and my grandson.can anyone help me please. thank you and god bless
November 11th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
hello, I am a 22yr. old single mom of a 15mth. old boy. His father has just got sentenced to 3-5 yrs. in prison last month, up until a month ago he had been sending me money for him every other week and now that he’s locked up I know i will really need help in giving him a good christmas . I am unable 2 get him on child support until he gets relesed from prison. anything that you could offer to my son would be greatly appreciated.
November 12th, 2009 at 11:11 am
I am disabled and every bit of money I managed to save this year just went into my car. I would like to be able to give my daughter a Christmas despite this. If you or someone you know could adopt her, that would also be helpful.
Since we are short on cash, I am not asking for toys, just things we could really use.
She is in size 10/12 clothes. (Jeans are 14 though since they do not stretch.) We are perfectly happy with used clothes!!!
She could use a winter jacket.
She also needs boots- size 1.
She really likes dogs and would like a comforter with a dog on it.
She would also like one of those really soft, furry throw pillows.
If you could help with any of these items, I would really appreciate your help. Thank you!
Jen
November 13th, 2009 at 9:53 am
i am a mother of 4 i have 2 boys 13 and 4 and 2 girls 10 and 5 they wont have a christmas please help
November 13th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
i am a single mom. my 21 year old daughter has Cer. Palsy and I also have a 12 year old son. My income has dropped nearly 400.00 this year and I may not be able to even buy for my twin grandsons who are 3. Being without a car makes matters harder. Seeking help.
November 13th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
I am looking for help with christmas. I am not worried about me but I do worry about my kids having something to open on christmas morning. I am a single mom of 2. My son is 4 and my daughter will be a year old 2 weeks after christmas. I am a full time student and this year has been really hard. If anyone can help please let me know.
Thank you so much,
Katie Harris
November 15th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
I AM LOOKING FOR HELP WITH CHRISTMAS. I HAVE 5 KIDS MY GIRLS ARE 16, 13,13 AND MY BOYS ARE 11,6. I AM A SINGLE MOM. I AM A FULLTIME STUDENT FOR NURSING AND LOST MY JOB 3 MONTHS. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREAT. MY KIDS HAVE BEEN THREW SO MUCH. IF ANY ONE CAN HELP PLEASE CALL ME OR EMAIL ME THANKS. MAY ALL HAVE HAPPY HOILDAYS.
November 17th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
I am looking for help with christmas.I have a 5 month old and a two year old,the two year olds birthday is two days after christmas.i lost my job and my unemployement has ran out.i have never ask for help before.
November 21st, 2009 at 5:47 pm
My husband was laid off recently from a job he had for 4 years and is struggling to find employment. I work part time and am searching for a 2nd job. We have 5 boys (ages 17-8) who are in need of a Christmas Angel. Specifically they need warm clothes and socks. Although I’m sure the younger children would appreciate toys, they NEED clothes. We live in New Mexico and the weather is getting colder. If you can be of any help, we would be eternally greatful. We are a hard working family who has suddenly fell on hard times. Please contact me and I can give you their sizes
November 22nd, 2009 at 1:42 am
hello i have 3 children that live at home and I need help for christmas… my children are shane 11, harmonee 5, and phoenix 20 months old… I am from florida so I am not familar with Albuquerque, and dont know where to get help… If any one knows or is willing to help me please email, or call me ***-***-****! thank you…
November 24th, 2009 at 12:53 am
yes i am a single out of work mother of a 6 yr old boy who lost 3 family members this year i have found myself in need of help this christmas i went to a local help office here in Bremerton Wa. and was told they could not help me and turned me away. Because i was not on wic or in a communtiy program they offer. i am so upset i don’t get alot of income in a month and 95% of it go’s to our rent so we have a home and i am so scared for the 1st time i will not have a christmas for my son.
heather
November 25th, 2009 at 9:30 am
hi my name is taryn I’m not quite sure i did everything right but if i did not here’s extra information.a reachable number is ***-***-**** (mrs.Anderson). I am also a single mother of 4, low income. GOD blesses me with just enough to pay my bills every month and sometimes i squeeze from them just to provide personal items for them it’s hard but I try and would gladly appreciate any help i recieved! MY children’s ages are 3,10,13 and i do have one that may be too old for most kinds of gifts but you know how we are about our children no matter what age they are. The age is 17. THANKYOU!!!!!
November 27th, 2009 at 9:15 am
I’ve always worked hard,always helped and tried to help,always think that peoples are more important than me and they deserved to be helped not me.Now is a bit different story,(and here it comes!)i suffering of anxiety,depression,cronic back ache,i have shoulder’s injury and thre children: 6, 4 and 2 years old.Now (for me)my children come first.I’ve got debits,financial problems,can not afford to by toys for christmas and leave in a very small,cold,damp mouldy flat with cuple of broken firniture.I’m asking for help,not for myself for my children. i’m not asking any rich people or organizations to pay my debts or my bills,to feel sorry for my health problems or the bad condition of my tiny flat .I’m asking for a donation of a bunk bed for my children,if there is someone that can help somehow please.thank you very much.
Ella,from Liverpool.
November 29th, 2009 at 11:18 pm
I have been out of work since march due to illness.I had hip sugery in aug.and only been off crutches for three weeks. My husband is a diabled Navy veteran that is in a wheelchair. We have a 12 year old son and a three year old dauther. We have been struggling for some time now. We despertly need help with christmas. We have had utilitys cut and on it’s been rough. I don’t know what else to do. My recources are running out and time. Is there any help out there please. anything would be greatly appreicated. Thank you and Happy Holidays from Maryland
December 1st, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Hello, I stayed with my in-laws and they have 6 children and my in-laws they do not work. I feel bad for them because they had never had never celebrated Christmas. It’s because they cannot afford it. All they depend on is their welfare that comes monthly. The kids really want something bad this year for Christmas. It can be toys, clothes, or games. Food is good too. The ages are 17-boy, 15-boy, 14-girl, 13-boy, 11-boy, and 9-boy. I would appreciate if someone out there can help me please.
December 1st, 2009 at 3:50 pm
I am a leader of a group of students who is interested in finding families in the Orange County, CA. who need help with providing Christmas presents/tree this year.
NOTE: Leave a comment for Nana if you live in Orange Co, CA. Provide a description of your situation. If you are chosen by this generous group, verification will be required.
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:47 am
Hi, My name is Joy, I’m a mother of two teenagers 16 year old girl & a 15 year old boy. I am a struggling mother. I am also the legal guardian of my sister’s five children (ages 15 boy, 13 boy, 7 boy, & 4 twin girls) we have come on hard times this holiday season. All I want is to see my childrens happy smiling faces on Christmas day. That they will know that Santa Claus did not forget them this Christmas. Please I hope that you can help us. Thank You & Happy Holidays To You & Yours!!!!
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:08 pm
hi my name is Ariane im not sure how to do this never have before but i guess everyone has hard times i just moved to mt pleasant mi isabella county and was wondering if i could please gets some help for my three girls ages are 13 9 6 13 year old size is 12 jeans and med shirt 9 year old is size 7 pants and shirts 6 year old size 6t pants and shirts 13 year old likes the stuff that goes with twilight and new moon 9 year old likes bratz and little pets shops 6year old likes baby dolls and cooking stuff. if you could help my girls i would greatly appreciate it and thank you some much and god bless you merry christmas and happy new year
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:32 pm
I come for a small town and christmas help is gone..
December 7th, 2009 at 2:09 am
I have a very pretty decorated Christmas tree. I am a very eclectic spiritual person and I would like to donate my tree to a family that may not be able to afford a tree. If any one needs one or is interested please leave comment on this page.
I live in Albuquerque NM.
December 7th, 2009 at 2:45 am
i have asked for help every where i can think of i was told that they cant help me because there are so many familys in need this year all im asking is for is help for my son age 8 and my daughter 15 she understands that i give 98% of my money to the landlord im so behind on everything but she is geting a and bs in school and my son is doing good to just something under the christmas tree for them both is all im asking for
December 7th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Hi my name is darla jane wiley I am a disabled mother i broke my neck a couple of years back. i am still waiting for my benifits so at this time i have nio income coming in at all.I have a 12 yr old son that would love to recieve christmas this year. Plus i have a 14 yr old daughter too that would love to have a christmas this year. She would love to have a ipod she got hers stolen this past year. Plus shes wanting some boots shes wears a size 8 and my son would love to have a big bycicle to ride this year he needs to get some exersize. And he also loves bionicle stuff. He needs socks underwear a coat would be nice an sarah also needs a coat to for the winter.My son has been wanting a pair of boots for the winter an he wears a size 7.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
hi i have been looking through so many links to try to help my family have a nice christmas and found this site so im hoping and preying to have help im 30 years old with 3 girls ages 5,3 and14 they mean the world to me , but last year i fell and blew out my back my s1 and L5 and need surgery but also cuz of the fall iv gained weight so i cant have the back surgery till i have some weight loss and my doctoer say i should look into the gasteric bypass so i am till then im trying to get disablity and foodstamps and anything more i can to help me.There father is not involed and i have no family near me to ask for help, im preying someone out there will read this and give my children a happy christmas
December 10th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
Hi my name is Liveva im a Mother to 4 beautiful kids
1.Dianalee 10 year old girl
2.Christian 8 year old boy
3.Rose 6 year old girl
4.Isaiah 5 years old boy
i would love to see my kids smile this year i dont have enough funds to buy any gifts for my kids if there’s a hero out there please help .dont do it for me do it for my kids let them have a merry christmas this year my kids stayed without christmas last year it dont matter if its used or new toys if you can
thank you
December 11th, 2009 at 10:58 am
Hello, I am a 21 yr old woman who has three beatiful little girls. I was married at 18 but that didnt work out to well. I just finished school to become a Medical Assistant but finding a job without childcare is very difficult. If theres any agency that could help me get childcare I would be very thankful. Also if theres places that could help with Christmas toys for my girls. There ages are 3,2,and 11mths almost 1,2,3.
Thankyou
December 14th, 2009 at 12:08 am
Hi, my name is Sybil Williams and I am in the hospital writing to see if anybody is out there that could help me and my family. I have been in the hospital since November 24, due to health issues with my first pregnancy and I am not quite sure when ill be going home. The doctor say I wont be going home till after the baby is born but I am not due till February 24.
My mother has been a big support in my life like she always have been, with all her other children and even those who aren’t hers. I like to think of her as Christmas star, because she has always been there for her family and any stranger off the street that may need her kind of guidance. This has been a tough year on our family with three deaths in a six month period and my mother unstable illness, which has her in and out the hospital. Along with seeing her only son go back over to Iraq for the 3rd time.
I am wanting to know if anybody can open up their hearts and help my mother with Christmas this year because I won’t be able to and help with any baby stuff for a little boy. Anything would help, there is four boys all together, ranging in the age of 10, 6, 3, and 2 years old. These boys are some really good boys and anything they get would make them happy. All of them are into cars.
December 15th, 2009 at 12:18 am
Hello I have been trying to find help for Christmas, I have just become disabled. I had a cervical fusion in January, almost a year ago. I can’t work so i have no income at all. I have a 14 tear old daughter and a 17 year old son. My house is almost in foreclosure and with the economy my husband can’t find work. I have no way to get my kids anything for Christmas. I feel like I am a failure and that i have failed my kids. I would appreciate any help for my kids for Christmas.
December 15th, 2009 at 8:52 am
Hello i know im posting this a little late but i thought i was gonna have other resources. my story is im a single mother of 3 boys ages 9,10,15. also residing back home at my moms.
i have no means to provide them any gifts for christmas. i have been in search of a job for a long time with no luck. have had many many health issues including cancer hodgekins lymphoma but have been blessed and have recovered, most recently been diagnosed with kidney stones and will need surgery.also not trying to tell a sob story cause god has truely blessed me with the recovery of my health and the best gift and Blessing is my 3 sons. in the years past i have been more fortunate financially. i would like to just see my boys smile on christmas morning. thanks again for taking time to read and god Bless your Holidays to all who read this.
December 15th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
hello, I am a 19 yr old girl who lives in a large family with 9 sibblings. My mother is a single mother working hard to support us all with no help at all. We have gotten trough alot of obstacles in our lives, getting out of a house fire, loosing our 2 cousins to drowning who was more like brothers since my mother was there foster parent and now just loosing our grandmother my mothers mother we’ve been through a very tough struggle making it this far. MY mothers in school and none of us have jobs. So, my one true wish is to make this christmas and holiday good for my five youngest brothers and my baby niece with the donations of gifts and food this year we are very greatful for anything we recieve and thank you very much
May 11th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
My favorite gift to give during Christmas day is a fruit basket with toys and gift certificates. they can really put a smile on someone’s face;:`
May 31st, 2010 at 2:26 pm
HI, I AM VIRGINIA AND I HAVE 2 JOBS BUT ME AND MY KIDS ARE LIVING ON MY PAYCHECK AND WE ARE GOIN PAYCHECK TO PAY BILLS AND I HAVE 2 DAUGTHERS THATS HAVIN BABIES A 20 YEAR OLD AND A 18 YEAR I SAYIN IT IS HARD AND I HAVE TO HELP WITH ALL OF THEY ISSUES I GIVE MY LAST TO MY KIDS AND I HAVE TWT SONS 19 AND 12 YEARS OLD, I TRY SO HARD TO HELP AND GET THEM TO UNDERSTAND LIFE IT IS NOT EASY I AM 38 YEAR OLD AND A HARD WORKIN WOMAN I JUST WANT THE BEST FOR THEM I DIDNT HAVE THAT WHEN I WAS LITTLE GIRL. I AM A SINGLE PARENT TRYIN TO MAKR IT IN LIFEI TRY TO SAVE FOR THE BABIES AND EVERYTIME I TRY TO SAVE RENT IS DUE, LIGHT BILL DUE , I HAVE TO BUY HOUSEHOLD ITEMS, FOOD, BUY BUS TICKETS AND SOMETIMES I HAVE TO GIVE MY BUS TICKETS TO MY 12 YEAR FOR HE CAN GO TO SCHOOL AND I WILL WALK TO WORK, I HAVE TO SAVE FOR THE GIRLS TO GO TO THE DOCTOR AND NOW I HAVE TO GET BEDS FOR THEM THE BEDS I HAD WAS WOOD AND IT JUST DIDNT HOLD UP NOW THEY ARE SLEEPIN ON THE FLOOR AND I GAVE THE GIRLS MY BEDROOM FOR THEY CAN BE OK SO PLEASE HELP US AND GOD BLESS, (phone number deleted -if anyone would care to help this family, i can contact the Virginia via email.)
July 14th, 2010 at 10:20 am
hi my name is lisa and i am a single mom with 6 kids i am really struggling to pay my bills but i am making it happen but i want some help for christmas this year my kid my girls are 12,14,19,20, my boys are 16,17 we are not choose what ever you would like to give thank you and merry christmas.
September 1st, 2010 at 9:01 pm
I am a single mother who is in desperate need of help for christmas this year. I have had o money the last couple of months due to paying bills and getting ready for my baby on the way. I would really love the help and I am willing to look into every thing if possiable.
September 2nd, 2010 at 8:15 pm
Just so you understand about my story here it is :Hello,
My family has been through alot this past few years i have gotten out of a real abusive relationship that my kids have had to see me get hIT black and blue on a daily basis for 5 years of the 8 and we have moved when he was at work left everything so the kids dont have anything really as we are trying to start over with what little we have we live off my son’s disability he is adhd ,and bypolar so it pays our rent with $1 left over so we are literly struggling to make ends meet with just that we are all in need of clothes and nessisties and to top it all off my grand father, aunt , and my mother have all past in the same year so we have no family to turn to at all i have reached out to churches to help us with no luck most go by donatations and funding and they are not able to at this time they said it could possiable be up to 6 monthes for any assistance even after all we have been through i am not able to work either i am bypolar dr said no working and i am waiting for ss to decide on my case but that again could be a year i just want my kids to have a good christmas something i will not be able to provide this year for them god bless anyone who would like to help my family its been a real struggle our greatest need is clothing and nessisties right now i thank god we have a roof over our heads now anything would be a blessing to me and to them god bless you and thank you for reading my story , misty Goodwin
my daughter aleigha is turning 9 in october 26th , my son austin will be 10 in august 25th
ps. christmas is another big hurdle but i just wanted you to know why i was asking for that stuff thank u , misty
September 4th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
Where are you located (town, state)? Someone in your area may read this and want to help. I hope you find some help for you and your family.
September 4th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
You must contact the organizations and agencies directly. Where are you located (town, state)? Someone in you local area who wants to help may read this. I wish you the best for you and your family.