United Way Christmas assistance programs.
The United Way can help people find help during the Christmas season, including from local events, celebrations and real time giveaways. The non-profit organization provides free referrals in local counties, cities and towns using what is known as their 211 database. The United Way will sometimes have information on holiday assistance programs that can’t be found anywhere else, and learn how the United Way can help families find help during the holidays.
The customer support team at a local United Way is resource for anyone in need. Almost 3 million people volunteer at the non-profit to help the less fortunate with thousands of charities and companies also partnering with the United Way. While the non-profit does not provide their own holiday meals or Christmas gifts, but rather direct individuals to where they can turn to for help. So they guide families to local churches, a Salvation Army Family Service Center, charities such as the Assistance League, and countless other organizations.
Referrals from your local United Way to Christmas programs
As noted, the United Way 211 service which is available in most cities and states is a free source of information. The non-profit will help anyone in need, regardless of their income, ethnicity, gender, age, or income, both year round and seasonal help. Get details on local charities and churches that provide assistance during Christmas.
They may even have information on Christmas assistance programs run by retailers, such as Wal-Mart, Target, and grocery stores. Or there also tend to be municipal government organizations, such as Police or Fire Departments, that hold Christmas gift drives, and the United Way can be a resource on them as well.
As noted, the organization has information on various local resources. The exact number will really depend on where the family lives. More populous cities and counties will of course have more options for toys and gift programs, but then the demand is higher. On the flip side, small communities have less options, but hopefully the demand is lower as there are less people requesting Christmas help.
The list below is who the United Way may refer people too. It is just a sampling. Also use the search box on our main search page or navigation bar, and type in terms such as “Christmas assistance” along with county, “free toys” in a city or county, or even agencies such as the Salvation Army, etc. It will direct individuals to a resource for their needs. Or find information on the following:
Angel Tree - This is a donation program run by a wide variety of local charities that gives our free Christmas gifts, presents, clothes and food. It is most often offered by the Salvation Army. The United Way can refer callers to it. Continue with Angel Tree.
Assistance League – This organization is not as wide ranging as some, but some locations provide help such as Sharing programs and more. They both help families get free toys or presents and also operate thrift stores that sell Xmas stuff. More on Assistance League.
Love Inc. – They are a leading, faith based social service agency. Referrals are also available to this group, though they are not national. Love in the Name of Christ / LOVE Inc. has clearings houses for holiday help, and more on Love Inc.
Salvation Army program – The United Way can refer households to Angel Tree, Adopt a Family, and other programs. The Salvation Army has thousands of locations across the nation. Get more details on the Salvation Army Christmas help.
Toys for Tots – The United Way often provides administrative and financial support to this US Marine Corps Christmas assistance program. The nationwide program is generally offered in partnership with companies, local volunteer groups and other organizations. Continue with Toys for Tots.
Volunteers of America - This is another nationwide charity that partners with local United Way centers. The VOA Christmas programs tend to focus on seniors and the homeless that need some form of holiday job. Get details on Volunteer of America holiday assistance programs.
The United Way also has information on Christmas food baskets and meal programs, ranging from soup kitchens to pantries and many more. As low income families often need a meal as well, as holiday food can be very expensive for a struggling household. Or dinners are also served in the general public, and the United Way can refer people to these resources in their local community. Find assistance with free Christmas meals.
Christmas money from the United Way
The United Way is also involved in raising money in their local communities. They hold fund raisers with local groups as well as charities. They collect cash donations as well as surplus toys from businesses and individuals throughout the year. While they do hold some Christmas gift drives, and help groups collect food boxes at Thanksgiving and/or Easter, this is not their main goal. It is but one service they offer.
 Each year the United Way will set a goal of how much money, or amount of gifts for kids, they want to raise for low income families. They also work with organizations on holiday gift drives, so that kids can get free toys, games, Christmas gifts, and more. Once again, the United Way will not provide these items themselves to the public, but they support other charities in running their Christmas programs. Look here for more details on free Christmas money for toys.
Locations and search for a United Way Christmas programs in your area
The United Way 211 services provide help in most local communities. As noted, there are additional resources located across the site. For more information on where to turn to for assistance during the Christmas holiday season, the UnitedWay.org is the national site. Or use the search box on this page to query by county, city, and using terms for holidays/Christmas.
Related Content From Needhelppayingbills.com
|
