Assistance is available during the holiday and specifically Christmas season in New Orleans. Several agencies either provide free toys, gifts, or clothes to struggling families, or they can refer them to other resources across all Parishes, including Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Tammany. Another option is to get a hot holiday meal or gift card for food from a pantry in the city of New Orleans.
The demand for help around the holidays is very high. Any assistance at Christmas is provided by a charity on a first come and served basis. The presents available for distribution, especially the toys and gift cards, go quickly. Please volunteer or donate a gift if possible.
Priority is also given to those homes or apartments with children or an elderly member living in them, as the volunteers from the charities want to spread holiday cheer to the youngest and oldest among us. Some of the primary organizations to contact in the New Orleans region for help are below. Note the application process for Christmas resources normally begins in the late summer.
Volunteers of America - New Orleans
Address is 1801 Canal St.
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
Call (504) 299-1260
An adopt a family, Christmas gift donation program is in place.
Catholic Charities of Orleans Parish
4700 Pineda St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70126, dial (866) 891-2210
A second center is at 1416 Dante St, New Orleans, LA 70139. Call (504) 861-9400
Children from low income households create wish list of needed (or wanted) items. Toys, gifts, shoes, games, books, and more may be provided by this church based charity.
Toys for Tots
Another donation service. Young children, infants, and new or single moms may receive Christmas gifts for their child or even a food basket.
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Times-Picayune Doll and Toy Fund
(504) 826-3622
This operates in all New Orleans area parishes, including St. Tammany and Jefferson. Thousands of children are given toys, dolls, scooters, and can even “meet” Santa Claus.
Orleans Parish Sheriff
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Phone - 504-827-8504.
They hold an Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
Salvation Army Seasonal programs
The programs include Silver Bells for senior citizens, and Angel Tree for children. Between the two resources the elderly, infants, and teenagers in Orleans can get assistance. Gift certificates for a small dollar amount, meals, Christmas stocking, and small toys may be provided by donors.
New Orleans Mission
1130 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd
New Orleans, Louisiana 70113
Telephone - (504) 523-2116
They mostly offer Christmas programs for clients and the homeless, including children. There are also resources for veterans. Clothes, small toys, gifts, and food may be offered.
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Bridge House
Main address - 1160 Camp St
New Orleans, LA 70130
For intake, call (504) 522-4476
Holiday meals, ranging from Thanksgiving to Christmas, are available. There may also be small gifts, stockings, or toys for children, and seniors or the homebound may have a meal deliver in New Orleans.
Total Community Action
Address is 1629 Simon Bolivar Ave
New Orleans, LA 70113
Call (504) 524-1281
There may be referrals to adopt a family programs.
Covenant House
Address: 611 N Rampart St.
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
(504) 584-1111
Holiday programs are only for the homeless that are clients of the shelter.
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