It's all too easy to find ways to donate Christmas gifts to charities, but not so easy to find out how to be the recipient. Many needy families and single income families with children can get donated presents and food, but may not know where to turn to find help locally, especially if they are new to, or not receiving, financial assistance.
Those families who are receiving assistance from Federal or local government agencies, utility companies, or other aid programs may already be on lists of needy families that have been identified for charitable aid during the Christmas holidays. Parents can check with the organization(s) from which they're currently receiving assistance to see if they are eligible to get free Christmas presents or other donations.
However, many families with kids have been hit unexpectedly hard by the recession, yet are not already receiving assistance. These families also feel the crunch as the holidays approach. Here are places to contact to apply for free help in your area for your own family, children you know, or neighbors, friends and relatives who need donated Christmas gifts or food.
Note that for many charitable and state programs, applicants should be prepared to supply the following information and documents:
- drivers license or state ID
- proof of income
- proof of residence
- proof of your dependents
- utility bills
There are also frequently deadlines for applying to Christmas charity programs. Some deadlines are as early as mid-November, and others are as late as mid-December.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army runs the Angel Giving Tree program with J.C. Penney to help get Christmas gifts to low-income children and senior citizens as well as the Red Kettle program to offer free dinners at Christmas. The Salvation Army can assist in getting donated clothes to families in crisis and families of people in hospitals or prisons. Contact your local Salvation Army office by entering your zip code in the directory on the Salvation Army contact web page. This will also connect you with other local programs such as the Adopt-a-Family program in your area.
Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
To take advantage of the Toys for Tots program and get toys for your children or kids you know, go to the Marine Toys for Tots Request a Toy web page and enter your location information. You will be contacted once you've filled out the form with your name, contact information, and the ages and genders of the kids.
Local Programs
Local churches and charity drives, like the Family Giving Tree in the San Francisco Bay Area, are a bit harder to find online, but an invaluable source of free Christmas gifts for needy children. Check bulletin boards in public spaces, churches, schools, and gyms, and talk with ministers and charitable program coordinators in your county, state or city.
Ask Early for Information About Christmas Presents for Low-Income Families
For families recently struck by hardship due to job loss and unemployment, divorce, reduced wages, higher costs of living, and other unexpected crises, an income shortfall does not have to mean eliminating Christmas gifts for children or seniors. It does mean being aware, sooner rather than later, that this year, they do need help. If eligible parents, friends, and family sign up the young girls and boys who need aid for any charitable holiday gifting programs in their area before the deadline passes, these kids can receive free Christmas gifts, clothes, meals, and other items of assistance during this time.
Reference:
WNEM.com. " The Salvation Army to Extend Application Deadline for Christmas Help," November 4, 2010 (accessed November 11, 2010).
Kerry Bakerson - Kerry's fiction has been published by Mundania Press. A former jewelry designer and bookseller, Kerry is now a full-time web content ...
