Charities to Help With Christmas

I cant say enough good things about SHARE. It is for everyone regardless of their income. The food is good, generous and nutritious. You pay for it, but get far more than you would in the grocery store for that amount of money especially around holiday time. IN my area a college administrator, a college professor, and a church secretary all partake in the benefits of this program. I heartily recommend it.

I did a Google search under SHARE food program for my state.

warm regards,
Carol in PA

Joan B.

October 21, 20110 found this helpful

The Salvation Army usually provides some help. They do it different ways, different years. Call them and ask. There is Toys For Tots, however, they aren't all over. A lot of the places that help have combined forces and you have to apply in one location. Call 211, it is the number for an organization called Helpline. It is almost all across the nation.

What they do is keep a list of different places people can go for different kinds of help. Keep in mind when it comes to gifts most organizations don't help kids beyond 12 years of age, some even younger. The way I avoid needing help for Christmas is I start my shopping in January. I have been done for at least one month. I spend $20.00 on each of my adult kids and grand kids that range in age from 15-25. I also spend that on one really close aunt and cousin.

Also if I come across a $20.00 item that is on sale for $10-15.00, that counts as $20.00. You can also start stockpiling Christmas groceries early in the year. Also for gifts, your kids should understand times are hard, and be satisfied with gifts from dollar stores, and even sometimes you can find new or things that look like new at thrift stores. Next year start your shopping in January. No matter how young your kids are they should realize some areas of the home are off limits.

Barbara Pope

October 29, 20110 found this helpful

Hi, Kisha. I agree with the other posters that there are probably numerous organizations in your community that will help you not only with toys and gifts but probably with food and other items too.

Also, check places like Freecycle and Craigslist for free items. However, years from now, he will probably not remember the gifts he got. He will remember that he was with you on Christmas and that you love him. That is the best gift you can give to a child. Good luck and god bless you and your son.

Joan B.

October 27, 20110 found this helpful

Call 211, it is a nation wide clearing house that has a list of organizations that help people. However, there is a cut off age of 12 years for most organizations that help with gifts. Also call the Salvation Army, however, in a lot of places all of those different organizations band together into one, to provide Christmas help. I would need help at Christmas, if I didn't start my shopping in January. I have been done for at least a month.

I spend $20.00 on each of my adult kids and grandkids that range in age from 15-25. I also exchange gifts with an elderly aunt and a cousin, that I am really close to. If I find a $20.00 item on sale for $10-15.00 that is still counted as a $20.00 item. Everybody gets one gift. I also start buying groceries for the holidays durng the summer. It takes a little planning ahead to get by without begging for help. Also a lot of the non-profits that provide Christmas help, have a cut off age of 12 years for gifts. Kids don't need a lot of gifts and they don't need expensive gifts, do what you can. Also ask the pastor of your church if there is any way they can help.