A lot of people look for assistance at the holidays. Traditional holiday meals can be expensive and you may be hosting friends or family. Children's gifts can seriously stretch the budget as well.
Here on ThriftyFun, we get a lot of requests for direct assistance which we just don't have the resources to provide. The good news is that in almost all areas of the country, assistance is available. Search for "Christmas Charities" and you will see a series of posts we've done with resources specific to each state.
However, most local agencies and churches offer assistance to families that are already enrolled by November. If you think you might need assistance this year, please reach out to your local agencies as soon as possible. If you wait until the week before Thanksgiving or Christmas, it is often too late.
Programs like Toys for Toys often require that you are already enrolled in a state or federal assistance program like WIC, Head Start, or you get free or reduced lunches. Contacting your local agency will help you get started. Here's information about WIC:
The YWCA is a great resource in many areas as well. They provide direct assistance in some areas or can refer you to local programs.
Sites like Ample Harvest can help you find local community pantries or food banks, which can help with food for the holidays and connect you to other assistance.
Local churches are also a good resource. They host giving trees, food and clothing drives, free holiday meals, and holiday bazaars where you can purchase inexpensive arts and crafts.
Remember that the most memorable part of the holidays is being together with family and friends. A gathering can be made special without overspending on food, decorations, and gifts. Treasure the time you have together.
Ask a QuestionHere are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community or ask a new question.
This year has been one of the hardest in a long time. I have tried to call churches and I missed Toys for Tots for xmas. We are being evicted and this eviction isn't even legal! The court doesn't care. We had proof we paid and were up to date on rent, but they still sided with the landlord. Even after having proof of us all getting sick from the mold toxins in this place. I cannot take beds, living room furniture, nothing (per mold inspector). I don't know what to do anymore
So sorry to hear of your troubles. Put want ads in Craigslist and Freecycle. If your son is in school the social workers and guidance counselors may have resources, too.
Please contact your local veteran's administration and try to find someone there who can help you all with all of these NOT CHRISTMAS issues first.
Their number is 1 (844) 698-2311
Here is a link for VA recommended legal assistance sites:
www.va.gov/
Contact them ASAP and hopefully they can help review the case.
For the Christmas part of it, there are organizations that help Veterans:
Here are a whole list of those geared to helping vets:
Prayers for healing and solutions! Post back with an update.
You really need to seek the help of a military attorney to fight for you in this case. Even though your husband is a vet and retired they are still there to help out. I know they are so helpful because I took my dad to see one when a company ripped him off on some shady home investment loan he got and they fought for him and got back all his money.
Is there any assistance for Christmas help for families with teenagers?
By Sandy
Check your local Catholic church, they cover families of all ages.
I'm trying to ask for help for my son for Christmas I'm starting asking early times are do hard right know he's 18 if you can that would be so blessed all the other places are only doing kids younger ones
Yes there are people that help
Good luck! He's considered an adult. I cant even find help for my 15 year old daughter. Hope things get better
When your a mother of a teenager and times are hard and can't afford to buy Christmas presents for them...is one of the saddest things ever..and your child tell you it's ok mom ..breaks your heart in pieces...yes there should be sponsors for teenager. Every child deserves a piece of hope.
I'm trying to figure out the same thing I have a 15 year old and a 14 year old seems like they would have something put in place for teenage children if I find anything I'll be sure to put
ThriftyFun is one of the longest running frugal living communities on the Internet. These are archives of older discussions.
Does anybody know of any agencies that are helping with Christmas for low income families?
