New Orleans Christmas and free holiday assistance.
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.
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. Dial 211 to apply for this free toy program in the greater New Orleans area as well as Jefferson County.
Second Harvest Community Kitchen 700 Edwards Avenue Elmwood, LA 70123 Meals are served only to the low income. Senior citizens can get help in the form of Christmas food, frozen meal boxes, and even home delivery during both Thanksgiving and Christmas.
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
- 4526 S Claiborne Ave, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70125 dial (504) 899-4569
- Address - 3630 Coliseum St, New Orleans, LA 70115. Main number is (504) 265-8808
- Saint Tammany center - 1584 Elderberry Loop, Mandeville, LA 70448, dial (310) 450-7235
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.
United Way Referral Service Call 504-269-2673 for details on local resources Charities in Orleans and Jefferson Parish help needy children and parents. The Holiday assistance programs include free boxes of groceries, Adopt a family, Christmas gift donation programs, toys, games, and gift distribution services are all in place.
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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