Need help buying Christmas gifts this year? You may be eligible to participate in one of these organizations below that help financially struggling families get free Christmas toys for their kids.
“The holidays can be a particularly challenging time, especially for those who are raising children alone,” says Dr. Lilit Ayrapetyan, Psy.D., a psychotherapist in Pasadena, Calif. “The pressures of family expectations, financial strains, and the emotional weight of the season can feel overwhelming. But know that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you navigate this time with grace and resilience.”
Here’s our big list of where to find free stuff at Christmas, along with tips on how to apply to receive benefits.
Free toys from Be an Elf
Christmas Cops helping families at Christmas
Dream Foundation’s Christmas assistance toy program
Firefighters giving away toys at Christmas
Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots
Operation Homefront’s Holiday Toy Drive
Prison Fellowship Angel Tree
Salvation Army’s Angel Tree
Task Force Kringle
USPS Operation Santa®
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Christmas help this year
Finding local holiday gift programs
- Adopt-A-Family Programs
- American Red Cross
- Assistance League
- Boys & Girls Clubs of America
- Cars4Christmas
- Catholic Charities
- Lions Club
- One Simple Wish
- Schools
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul
- United Way
- YMCA and YWCA
- Children’s hospital toy drives
- Amazon wish list
- Free toys from recycling apps and sites
- Eventbrite search for Christmas toy giveaways
- Contact your local church, community center, or nonprofit
- YouTube channel Christmas toy giveaways
- Reddit’s Santa’s Little Helpers
- Government assistance
Need more help for Christmas? Check out these helpful resources
We also compiled this guide on where to get free toys year-round.
Free toys from Be an Elf
Be an Elf partners with USPS Operation Santa to help needy kids get toys for Christmas. Volunteers can adopt a letter written to Santa online and buy gifts for that family.
What are the qualifications for free toys from Be an Elf?
While anyone can write a letter to Santa, Be an Elf only posts letters from the USPS of families who are financially struggling.
What is the deadline to sign up for free toys from Be an Elf?
Be an Elf recommends mailing your letter around late October for a better chance to be adopted, but all letters must be received by December 10.
How do I apply for toys from Be an Elf?
To qualify for Be an Elf, your family must write a letter and mail it to Santa through the USPS Operation Santa.
If you are struggling to provide gifts for your children, have them write to:
Santa Claus
123 Elf Road
North Pole 88888
If your family is not having a financial issue but your child wants to write a letter to Santa, please mail it to:
Santa Claus
North Pole
While they can’t guarantee that you’ll get assistance, Be an Elf has some tips to help you get noticed:
- Mail your family’s letters in one envelope (so volunteers know you’re one unit).
- Be honest as to why you need financial assistance this year.
- Have your kids each write a letter thanking the volunteer and listing what he or she would like for Christmas.
Be an Elf advises to ask for simple things like clothes and toys, and you can also ask for gift cards that will allow you to purchase gifts yourself.
Christmas Cops helping families at Christmas
Each year, local police departments and police organizations partner with local charities, causes, businesses, and citizens to help families in need during the Christmas season.
For example, the Rancho Cordova Police Department’s Youth Services Unit usually supplies children of 350 families in need with Christmas gifts in early December.
Registration typically begins in October at the Kilgore Station at 2897 Kilgore Road in Rancho Cordova, CA. Registered parents will pick up new toys and gift wrap to help their children celebrate the season.
To apply, you need:
- Valid identification such as a driver’s license or passport
- Proof of address such as a rental agreement
- Proof that your child attends school Folsom Cordova Unified School District, Elk Grove Unified School District, or Sacramento City Unified School District school in Rancho Cordova city limits
For questions about Christmas in Cordova, you can call 916-875-9627.
These kinds of programs are all over the nation:
- Since 1984 in Texas, the Plano Police Association Christmas Cops program is a nonprofit staffed by local police, volunteers, and the surrounding community. They do a drive each year to collect toys, coats, non-perishable food, and other helpful items.
- In Florida, the Port Orange Police Department launched Cops for Christmas in 2020. The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office in Sanford, FL operates a Christmas Village to bring toys and holiday cheer to children in need.
If you are looking for help with free Christmas presents, contact your local police department to ask about what events they are planning for the upcoming holiday season.
Dream Foundation’s Christmas assistance toy program
The Dream Foundation’s Dream Toy Program provides thousands of free toys each year to children under the age of 18 who live with and are expecting the loss of a loved one. These are children of parents or guardians who are terminally ill or under hospice or end-of-life care.
Toy makers Hasbro and Ty, Inc. have partnered with Dream Foundation to deliver new toys for hundreds of children. Volunteers pack boxes for each child with toys and games they are likely to enjoy.
What are the qualifications for Christmas giveaways from Dream Foundation?
To receive gifts from the Dream Foundation, dependent children must be living in the household of a Dream Program or Dreams for Veterans recipient.
Dream Foundation recipients:
- Have applied and were accepted for a Dream program
- Live in the United States (includes Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico)
- Have a terminal diagnosis with a life expectancy of 12 months or less
- Do not have the resources to fulfill their Dream request
What is the deadline to sign up for free gifts from Dream Foundation?
There is no deadline to sign up. The Dream application is available year-round. Once a Dream recipient is accepted, the children are eligible for free toys.
Firefighters giving away toys at Christmas
Every year, local firehouses and firefighter unions hold toy drives to help low-income families provide Christmas gifts for their children.
For example, the San Francisco Firefighters Toy Program has been providing toys for kids at Christmas since 1949. Run by the SF Fire Fighters Union Local 798, this program gives away toys for Christmas between December 1-25.
If you live in the San Francisco area, you can apply for the SF Firefighter Toy Program online.
Here are other examples of firefighter Christmas toy programs:
- FireFighters 4 Kids: An Ohio-based charity that collects toy donations to give to children from 0 to 12 years old during the holiday season
- Operation Stocking Stuffer: The Houston Fire Department provides gifts for more than 20,000 children and kicks off its program in early November
- Toy & Joy Makers: The Toy & Joy Makers nonprofit works with Portland, Ore. firehouses to make sure children within Portland city limits get toys for the holidays
There are programs all over the nation. Contact your local fire station or firefighters union to ask about free toys for Christmas.
Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots is a national 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity that works with local agencies to deliver unwrapped Christmas toys for kids.
What are the qualifications for free gifts from Toys for Tots?
There are no criteria to apply, but the charity works with local organizations that help them locate families with kids ages 12 and under that really need help. However, in some areas, because of overwhelming support, they can serve children over 12 years old.
What is the deadline to sign up for free gifts from Toys for Tots?
Each state has its own Toys for Tots campaign deadlines. To get exact details about deadlines and how to apply for toys, use the Toys for Tots campaign search.
How can I apply for help from Toys for Tots?
Those wanting help from Toys for Tots should go on their website and click “donate or request a toy” and use the search feature to find the local campaign that serves their area. Then, you’ll have to fill out an application online by the deadline set by your local campaign. Some campaigns start as early as October.
You’ll have to provide the names and ages of kids in your family, proof of residency, and a short blurb explaining why you need help with toys this year. A coordinator will then call you to verify your information.
Operation Homefront’s Holiday Toy Drive
Operation Homefront offers various financial assistance to military families. During the holidays, the non-for-profit partners with Dollar Tree to give toys to kids from military families in need.
What are the qualifications for free toys from Operation Homefront?
To qualify for Operation Homefront, you must prove that you or someone in the family is in the military.
How to apply for toys from Operation Homefront?
You must create an account through the My Operation Homefront Portal. Then, you can register for the Holiday Toy Drive if you are eligible for the event. You can also visit the Operation Homefront Facebook Page to learn about local events in your area and registration deadlines.
Prison Fellowship Angel Tree
Prison Fellowship Angel Tree is a Christian-based organization that partners with churches to give gifts to kids of incarcerated parents.
What are the qualifications for free toys from Angel Tree?
This program is only available for kids who come from incarcerated families.
What is the deadline to sign up for free toys from Angel Tree?
Parents can register their kids in early October.
How can I apply for help from Angel Tree?
Parents in prison can sign up their kids. Then, the organization will reach out to confirm kids’ permission and discuss gifts.
Salvation Army’s Angel Tree
Salvation Army and Walmart partner with Rescue Christmas to reach out to families in need to help them for Christmas.
What are the qualifications for free gifts from Angel Tree?
Families with low to moderate-income or living in poverty can apply. However, there’s one catch: you can’t be enrolled in any other program.
What is the deadline to sign up for free gifts from Angel Tree?
The window to sign up for free gifts is between September and November. However, it’s recommended that the earlier you sign up, the better chances you have to get free toys.
How can I apply for help from Angel Tree?
Register your child online or through a local Salvation Army Corps Community Center, where you’ll provide information about your child’s wishes. Then organizers will take those “wishes” and create paper angels that will be displayed in high-traffic areas. People will purchase items and drop them off at the Salvation Army who will arrange to pick up and distribute items.
Task Force Kringle
The organization 22 Until None assists veterans and their families through various programs and outreach efforts. One program, Task Force Kringle, started in 2018 and helps veterans provide toys for their families at Christmas time.
What are the qualifications for free toys from Task Force Kringle?
Task Force Kringle provides a $1,000 Amazon gift card to help eligible families buy gifts.
To be eligible, you must be be to provide the following documentation:
- DD214 form 4 or form 2 showing an honorable discharge
- VA disability rating of at least 30%
- Children under 18 living with you that are also listed as dependents through the VA (children must be biological, from marriage, or legally adopted)
- Proof of financial hardship, such as loss of employment or current SNAP benefits
What is the deadline to sign up for free toys from Task Force Kringle?
The application window open every year on October 1. You must apply with all requested paperwork by October 31. All recipients are notified by November 1. This program offers one-time help. If you are selected, you will not be eligible for future help.
How can I apply for help from Task Force Kringle?
As a veteran, you must complete the application yourself and include your contact information to verify identity. In addition, you must include all requested criteria to be considered.
USPS Operation Santa®
For over 100 years, Operation Santa allows kids from all over the United States to write letters for Santa sharing their Christmas wishes. They have a partnership with Be an Elf, a network of volunteers who help fulfill the wishes of children all over the nation.
What are the qualifications for free toys from Operation Santa?
According to Operation Santa, anyone living in the United States can write a letter regardless of age, income, or religion.
What is the deadline to sign up for free toys from Operation Santa?
You can write to Santa up until late November, but if you’re looking for assistance, it’s recommended you send your letter earlier. All letters must be received by December 10.
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How can I apply for help from Operation Santa?
Families who need assistance should write a letter addressed to Santa Claus (his address is 123 Elf Road, Northpole 88888) along with their kids’ Christmas wishes. Operation Santa will post their letters online and other organizations may share letters sent in as well. Volunteers can also adopt families on the USPS website, and send gifts through there.
If your family does not need financial help, but your child still wants to write a letter, please mail it to:
Santa Claus
North Pole
Make-A-Wish Foundation
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps grant the wishes of ill children across the United States.
What are the qualifications for free toys from Make-A-Wish?
Make-A-Wish specifically helps kids between the ages of 2 1/2 and 17 who have a life-threatening illness. While they don’t have a specific holiday program for kids, they may request Christmas gifts as their wish.
What is the deadline to sign up for free toys from Make-A-Wish Foundation?
Make-A-Wish grants wishes to kids year around, so there’s no deadline for applying.
How can I apply for help from Make-A-Wish Foundation?
Friends and family can refer a child online, and then they’ll be contacted by a member of the Make-A-Wish team.
Christmas help this year
Many holiday-helping nonprofits have local chapters that provide assistance with Christmas gifts and holiday meals. To find them, visit the national organizations’ websites that we’ve listed below and then “find a location near me,” or you might try searching for “help for Christmas near me” to find local resources.
It’s worth a little research, because once you start to reach out, you just might uncover additional resources and support. “Churches or nonprofit organizations often have programs that single moms can tap into, providing everything from children’s gifts to holiday meals,” says Kristie Tse, psychotherapist and founder of Uncover Mental Health Counseling in New York City. “Libraries frequently hold festive storytelling events that are both free and enriching for children. As a psychotherapist, I’ve seen how local support groups not only offer a space to share experiences, but they also often bring along resources or recommendations for accessing holiday help.”
Finding local holiday gift programs
To locate free gifts for children or holiday toy drives in your area, try these steps:
Search online: Conduct internet searches using your location (town, city, county, and state) along with phrases like “holiday toy drives” or “free gifts for kids” or “adopt-a-family.” This method is often the most effective for finding local programs.
Check with local authorities: Reach out to your city hall for information. Many police and fire departments run seasonal gift programs for children in need (more on that below!).
Explore community organizations: Look into programs offered by:
- Local churches
- Scout troops
- Retail stores
- Veterans groups
- Rotary clubs
- Your town’s community center
Consider diverse holiday celebrations: Remember that some gift drives are associated with holidays other than Christmas, such as Kwanzaa and Hanukkah.Below, find a list of specific terms to search to organizations to reach out to:
Adopt-a-Family Programs
Adopt-A-Family programs, run by various charities and non-profit organizations during the Christmas season, aim to support families facing hardships due to unemployment, homelessness, or medical challenges. These initiatives provide an opportunity for more fortunate families to “adopt” those in need, typically focusing on low-income households referred by local community agencies.
The programs generally offer comprehensive holiday assistance, including gifts for children and sometimes a complete holiday dinner. To find Adopt-A-Family programs in your area, start with googling, and then with phone calls to local churches, your town’s community center, and community organizations like the ones listed here!
American Red Cross
Local American Red Cross chapters often work with businesses and other organizations to run annual toy drives for Christmas.
Assistance League
The Assistance League offers various holiday help during the season, but it may depend on where you live. The organization has programs where members can adopt a family for the holidays, giving them gifts and food baskets, and decorations for their holiday celebration. Some chapters also host a “Santa’s Closet,” that offers help in the form of gift cards from supermarkets and local retailers.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America provides after-school programs to kids around the county. Depending on your chapter, they may host holiday programs, like holiday toy drives and meals, to help financially struggling during the holidays.
Cars4Christmas
Cars4Christmas is a seasonal promotion of Car4Heroes.org and gives away free Christmas charity cars during the Holiday season.The organization focuses on assisting low-income individuals, veterans, and others who struggle to obtain reliable transportation on their own, particularly those living in rural and suburban areas with limited public transit options.
With a history spanning two decades, Cars4Christmas has been expanding its reach nationally. The organization operates on a simple yet effective model: In the months leading up to the Christmas holidays, they engage in various fundraising activities, accept donations, and acquire vehicles. These cars are then distributed to carefully selected recipients who demonstrate a genuine need for transportation assistance.
The process of obtaining help from Cars4Christmas involves submitting an application through their website. Interested individuals are required to provide specific information to be considered for the program. This application process allows the organization to assess each applicant’s situation and determine those most in need of assistance.
Find free cars for single moms and low-income families
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities have a range of programs to help families, such as a “Christmas food basket” program, where people donate produce, turkeys, and canned goods to give families a Christmas dinner. They also run this program for Thanksgiving and Easter. Another Catholic Charities program is an adopt-a-family program where needy families are matched with donors who provide them free toys, clothes, and other items in the spirit of holiday help.
Lions Club
The Lions Club chapters worldwide host various events to help families during the holidays. They’ll collect items such as Christmas trees and toys, and host holiday parties where anyone can stop by for a meal. The Lions Club also works with local businesses to collect toys to distribute to local families to provide holiday help.
One Simple Wish
One Simple Wish is an organization dedicated to supporting children affected by foster care, abuse, and neglect. They provide assistance not only during the holiday season but throughout the year. Through their website, individuals can grant Christmas gift wishes and other requests for children in need. Wishes range from $35 to $500, covering various categories such as “Just for Fun,” “Essentials,” “Experiences,” and “Education & Employment.” The organization boasts a 99.9% success rate in granting accepted wishes.
There is no limit to the number of wishes that can be submitted for a given child, allowing foster parents to address various needs Plus, although particularly active during the holiday season, One Simple Wish operates throughout the year, offering continuous support to foster families. It’s important to note that foster parents cannot submit wishes directly; they must go through registered organizations or case workers to ensure proper vetting and coordination of support.
Schools
Your child’s school guidance counselor is a great resource to help you find local holiday help with gifts and food. The guidance office can get you connected with community programs to meet your needs. Be sure to reach out to your school district office for additional help, as well.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Society of St. Vincent de Paul provides Christmas assistance to those in need, including collecting and distributing toys for kids for the holidays. However, programs may vary by state.
United Way
United Way helps raise money for local communities during the holidays and prides itself in being a resource where low-income families can turn to for assistance. They’ll refer families to local organizations and non-for-profits that will provide them with the resources they’ll need for a Merry Christmas. You can contact the organization by dialing 2-1-1.
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YMCA and YWCA
The YMCA and YWCA partners with different organizations like Toys for Tots and Salvation Army to provide Christmas assistance to low-income families. Chapters across the United States offer various programs throughout the holidays to give families a good Christmas.
Christmas toy freebies
Children’s hospital toy drives
If your child must spend Christmas in a hospital, there’s a good chance there is already a program in place to make sure they get a free gift during the holidays. For example, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital collects toys through mail-on donations and Amazon wish list items to give to patients. Check with your local hospital for gift programs.
Amazon wish list
If you have an Amazon account (you can create a free one at Amazon.com), you can make a wish list of the toys your children want and share the link with family and friends.
Free toys from recycling apps and sites
Use resources like Freecycle, BuyNothing, Offerup, Craigslist and more to get gently used or new toys and children’s bikes that people are willing to give away.
Eventbrite search for Christmas toy giveaways
Sign up for a free Eventbrite account and search for toy giveaways in your community. You can also search online for “Eventbrite Christmas toy giveaways near me” without an Eventbrite account just to get the details of the giveaway.
Contact your local church, community center, or nonprofit
Churches, community centers, and local nonprofits are also a great source for toys giveaways or may be connected to organizations that offer free toys for Christmas to children.
YouTube channel Christmas toy giveaways
Some YouTube channels give away toys at Christmas. For example, Treasure Hunting with Jebus organizes Christmas toy giveaways in Chesterfield, Va.
Check out philanthropic YouTubers like Mr. Beast, who often does giveaways and channels that cater to children’s interests and toy enthusiasts. On YouTube, search “toy giveaway” and “toy giveaway (add your state)” for example “toy giveaway Virginia” to find some leads on channels and places that offer free toys near you.
Reddit’s Santa’s Little Helpers
Reddit’s Santa’s Little Helpers is an online community-driven program that aims to provide Christmas gifts to families in need. This subreddit (/r/SantasLittleHelpers) connects donors with families who are struggling to provide Christmas presents for their children. To get help through Reddit’s Santa’s Little Helpers, follow these steps:
- Visit the r/SantasLittleHelpers subreddit on Reddit.
- Read the community guidelines and rules carefully. These are typically found in the sidebar or community info section.
- Wait for the registration period to open. According to the information provided, registration usually opens around November 1st.
- Create a request post when registration is open. Your post should include:
- A brief description of your situation and why you need assistance
- The number of children you have
- Their ages (the program is for children aged 0-18)
- A link to an Amazon wishlist with gift ideas for your children
- Ensure your Amazon wishlist is set up correctly with appropriate shipping addresses.
- Be honest about your circumstances and follow all rules set by the moderators.
- Wait for a generous Reddit user to fulfill your request. They may purchase items from your wishlist to be sent directly to you.
- If your request is fulfilled, make sure to thank your Santa! And follow any additional guidelines for recipients.
Remember that the exact process may vary slightly from year to year, so always check the most current rules and guidelines on the subreddit. The program typically runs from early November to mid-December, so be sure to submit your request early in the season.
Want to thank you from bottom of my heart!!!!!!!
byu/Kymckenna77 inSantasLittleHelpers
Thank you
byu/Enough_Ideal_2125 inSantasLittleHelpers
Government assistance
If your family participates in government assistance programs, consider these options:
Consult your case worker: Reach out to your assigned case worker for information about toy drives associated with your program. They can often provide valuable insights into available resources.
Explore specific programs: Two notable programs that may offer holiday assistance include:
- Headstart: This program, designed to support low-income families, often organizes toy drives or can direct you to relevant resources.
- Early Intervention: Focused on infants and toddlers with disabilities, this program may also conduct or be aware of toy drives for eligible families.
Remember, many government assistance programs have connections to community resources and seasonal giving initiatives. Don’t hesitate to inquire about these opportunities through your program contacts.
Christmas money
We compiled this list of ways to get money and earn cash for Christmas.
Or, try applying for single mom grants like the $500 Kickass Single Mom grant.
You can apply right here:
Need more help for Christmas? Check out these helpful resources
Find single-mom resources in every state:
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the bills this is head as it has been, and I don’t work in and out of the hospital and doctors’ office’s all the time I have had not anytime to try to get the help I need if someone could help, please.
I’m a single mom who needs help getting things I need and getting my son some gifts too I’m disabled with scoliosis and severe chronic back pain there’s a lot days I can’t get out of bed I’m in so much pain if there is anyone who would like to help I would appreciate it I’m in the process to get ssi my cash app is $blooddragon2991 just $50 would be a blessing I don’t want $500 even tho that would pay my $200 rent
Hi my name is Alporchea I am I single mom of 3 kids and I’m asking for help my kids have nothing for Christmas and they still believe I just want there Christmas to always be better then mine was, right now I’m not working I lost my job and I’m living off of other family members right now I need help Jesus if you guys can please help me I’m very grateful and very appreciated!!!!
Hello Santa I have 6 kids ages 17 and youngest is 2 years old being a mother is important to me and being able to get my kids some christmas gift will mean so much to my family it’s hard to afford my bills and christmas too please help God bless
Needing help I’m a single mother of 6 children and have lost everything my business my home and everything inside . I just want to give my kids something to smile about again. Ages 12, 11, 7, 5, 3, 1
This year has been exceptionally hard as I am trying to get my life back on track. I helped out a family member who ended up doing more damage to me than I did helping them out. Now I am working on get my life back together for my children’s sake. Literally taking it one day at a time as that’s all we can do.
Thank you to this wonderful website kids dream’s can come true. I thought I was the only one searching for help but I see I am not the only one going through hardship and I don’t have to feel embarrassed.. we are all trying moms here. I wish us all luck
I am aunt of 2 boys 9 and 10 and they really never had a christmas where they could just be kids and have a tree with presents underneath and im also taking care of my elderely farther who is not capable to work and take care of his grandson’s, so i am home now and work a part time job of 21 hours every two weeks and i am not on government assistance. this would really help us out. thank you.
In need of HELP for the Holidays very badly..I am struggling financially due to recently being diagnosed with CANCER..I would love any gifts that any kind and generous person or community would love to send my way..I have Noone but myself anymore due to losing my family in a tragedy and I was left the only survivor..having to witness something as such plays a very hard roll in Me daily..due to everything that has happened I am having to stay with ppl that allow me..I have no home anymore..no vehicle..no money..and I have to go back and forth for Cancer treatments but can’t because no vehicle or money..so My health Is declining..please have a kind heart and send me any gift u feel would be good for me because anything is appreciated at this point..GOD BLESS ALL
Thank you so much for helping families, all of just need a little help in this world right now. It’s scary to be raising kids in the time.