Rapides Parish and City of Alexandria free holiday assistance.
Several Rapides Parish charities and churches provide free holiday help to low income families as well as those living in poverty. Everything from free Christmas toys to meal baskets, food, holiday parties, and more is offered. The goal is to ensure everyone in need has a Christmas gift to open or some type of meal to eat both at Christmas as well as Thanksgiving.
The two primary Christmas assistance programs in the Alexandra Louisiana area are Toys for Tots as well as Angel Tree. Both use donations from the community. There may be items that come from businesses or individuals, and they are then disbursed to qualified low income households with children. Other charities also provide help during Thanksgiving or Christmas, as noted below. Whether low income, lonely, or in a financial crisis, holiday help is offered.
Salvation Army of Alexandra and Rapides Parish
Location is 620 Beauregard St.
Alexandria, LA 71301
(318) 767-1711 or 442-0445.
They operate Angel Tree as well as the Red kettle cash collection program. Free toys, games, electronics, and more is given to kids. The Salvation Army also serves free Turkey dinners to the low income and homeless at Thanksgiving, volunteers may deliver food and small Christmas gifts to the homebound, and many other social services are offered.
Adopt a Family assistance programs
There are a few businesses and non-profits that offer this service. Qualified low income families may be given free groceries, food, toys, clothes, and other items. Options include Entry Solutions, which has a phone number of 443-0189. Volunteers of America (442-8026) is always looking for people, clothes, and gifts to give to the vulnerable.
Faith House also runs a Christmas adopt a family program, and dial 337-267-9422. Or dial Hope House of Central Louisiana at 487-2061 for assistance at Christmas.
Manna House
Main address is 2655 Lee Street
Alexandria, Louisiana 71301
Call (318) 445-9053
They serve meals. During the holidays, some kids may be given free Christmas gifts too or small stocking stuffers...as resources allow.
Food Bank of Central Louisiana
Location is 3223 Baldwin Ave
Alexandria, LA 71301
Main phone: (318) 445-2773
Obviously only food is given. They also partner with local food pantries in Rapides Parish to feed the hungry, struggling, and less fortunate.
Rapides U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program
Charities collect toys and give to needy children. Applicants need to be under the age of 15. Many single moms enroll into this holiday assistance program so their kid can get a free gift at Christmas. Call 211 for information and application sites.
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