Making the Season Brighter: Holiday Assistance Programs for Financially Struggling Families
The holiday season can be full of joy, but it can also bring added stress for families facing financial challenges. If you’re looking for support this Christmas, there are several reputable programs that may be able to help. Below, we’ve highlighted five trusted resources that provide holiday assistance for children, families, and older adults.
Many of these programs require advance registration and have early deadlines, so be sure to visit each organization’s website or call directly to learn more about eligibility and application timelines.
1. United Way (2-1-1)
United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline is available 24/7 to connect families with essential local resources. By dialing 2-1-1, you can speak with a trained specialist who can refer you to support services for food, housing, employment, health care, counseling, and more. Assistance is confidential and available nationwide.
2. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provides a wide range of Christmas support, including holiday meals, clothing, and toys for children. All assistance is handled through local Salvation Army Community Centers.
To receive help, families must register in advance. Each location posts its own registration dates and requirements, so contact your nearest Salvation Army Center as soon as possible to learn more about deadlines in your area.
3. Angel Tree Program
Operated by local Salvation Army centers, the Angel Tree Program provides gifts for children and for seniors ages 60 and older. Angel Trees are decorated with wish-list tags and set up in malls and stores beginning in November. Community members select a tag and purchase items for a specific “angel.”
Families and seniors interested in receiving Angel Tree support must register with their local Salvation Army Center and meet program qualifications. Many locations now offer online applications; you can check availability by entering your ZIP code on the Salvation Army website.
4. Toys for Tots
Run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Toys for Tots collects and distributes new, unwrapped toys to children in need during the holiday season. Their mission is to bring hope, joy, and a sense of belonging to children across the country.
Families can request toys by submitting a form through the “Request a Toy” portal on the Toys for Tots website. A local Campaign Coordinator will follow up with next steps.
5. USPS Operation Santa
One of the longest-running holiday assistance programs, USPS Operation Santa invites families to write letters to Santa detailing their holiday wishes. Letters must be legible and include a full name, return address, and specific wish-list items.
After being reviewed by the USPS team (with personal information removed), letters are posted online for adoption. Generous volunteers then purchase and ship gifts so they can arrive by Christmas Day.
If you or someone you know could use support this season, we encourage you to explore these programs early. Help is available, and no one should feel alone during the holidays. From the team at BOOST, we wish you all a very happy holiday season!
Want more tips like these? Stay connected with us for practical ideas and real-life resources by following us on Facebook and Instagram. You can also reach out to our Director of Teacher Success Whitney Carper at wcarper@boostbyhinge.org for more help navigating personal financial challenges.