California Christmas Help and Assistance
California Christmas Help and Assistance Near Me
California Christmas Help List of Charities and Locations
Keep in Mind
Christmas assistance and help are local.
Most Christmas assistance programs require registration in advance.
Contact a listed charity near or in your local area.
QUICK INFO BOX
Top Five Most Popular Nationwide Christmas Help
Organizations Providing Assistance in the State of California
The Salvation Army Christmas Assistance
The Salvation Army provides Christmas assistance to those who need it every year during the holiday season. The Holiday Giving provides local families, kids, and individuals with Christmas dinners, toys for children, clothing, and gifts to needy families. Some centers run the Angel Tree Program, which offers gifts for disadvantaged children, individuals, and senior citizens.
Each local Salvation Army Center lists its Christmas Assistance Registration dates. Contact your local Salvation Army center as soon as possible to inquire about the registration dates and deadlines. Contact: Local Salvation Army.
Christmas Adopt-A-Family Programs
During the Holiday Season, Adopt-A-Family Programs are organized by many charitable and non-profit organizations. Tailored to assist families undergoing crises such as unemployment, homelessness, or medical challenges, these holiday programs aim to support those lacking the resources for joyful Christmas celebrations.
Christmas presents a good time for more fortunate families to exhibit their generosity by adopting a family facing hardships. While program specifics may vary, eligibility typically targets families within the low-income bracket.
Local community agencies play a vital role in referring families in need of Christmas assistance to the Adopt-A-Family Program. Typically, these programs provide a complete dinner for the adopted family and distribute gifts and toys for the children.
Individuals interested in participating are encouraged to explore Adopt-A-Family programs offered by local charities within their communities, fostering a sense of giving and unity during the holiday season. Contact: Local Adopt-A-Family
Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots, a nationwide charitable program led by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, strives to bring the enchantment of Christmas to less fortunate children by distributing donated toys as gifts.
The program’s core mission is to give a message of hope to underprivileged youngsters by providing them with a new toy during the holiday season. This initiative aims to contribute to their development into responsible, productive, and patriotic citizens.
To request a Christmas toy, submit the required information through the “Request A Toy” portal, and a local Toys for Tots Campaign Coordinator will promptly respond. Contact: Local Toys for Tots
Angel Tree Program
Some local Salvation Army centers administer the Angel Tree Program, which provides gifts for underprivileged children and senior citizens aged 60 and above. Typically initiated in early November, Angel Trees adorned with tags specifying an angel’s age, gender, and gift preferences are placed in local stores and malls.
Community members can select a tag, purchase items matching the chosen angel’s preferences, and leave them at the store. Individuals and families can register with the local Angel Tree Program at The Salvation Army Center to become an angel recipient, ensuring they meet the specified criteria.
The Salvation Army Angel Tree Application for Christmas Assistance makes applying with and without invitation codes easier in areas where the Angel Tree program is active.
To check eligibility and apply for Angel Tree Christmas Assistance near your location, visit their website and enter your zip code.
USPS Operation Santa
This is one of the oldest Christmas help programs in the USA. USPS Operation Santa was established by the United States Postal Service to help kids and families in need during the Christmas holidays.
The USPS Operation Santa program is accepting letters from people nationwide and fulfilling their wishes by providing letters for adoption on the USPS Operation Santa website.
If you need Christmas help, you should write a letter to Santa Claus. The letter must be legible and include your full name and address and a list of the gifts you wish Santa Claus to bring. The letters are carefully read and posted without personal information.
Generous people read and adopt the letters and find the gifts to help Santa fulfill the writers’ wishes. The gifts are then shipped to the letter writers to get delivered by Christmas day.
Write to Santa
List the gifts you want
Address your letter to:
Santa
123 Elf Road
North Pole, 88888
Christmas Help and Assistance in
California Counties, Cities, Towns, Urban and Rural Areas
Find Charities, Locations, Websites, Phone Numbers
If you need Christmas help and holiday assistance in California, the Helping Americans Find Help guide has been specifically created to help you find relevant organizations near you that can help you during the holidays.
In addition to the top five most popular nationwide Christmas Help organizations providing assistance in the State of California, we have compiled a comprehensive resource list organized by county.
This way, you can quickly and easily find the most convenient and relevant Christmas help and holiday assistance in your California county. The list is updated as soon as new information is available. Please use the map and the list to locate Christmas-helping organizations and Holiday assistance programs near you.
ALAMEDA COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
- Lend A Hand Foundation, Oakland, Alameda County, CA ⇑ – During the Christmas holidays, the Lend A Hand Foundation is on a mission to make sure the underserved and underprivileged families in Alameda County feel the holiday’s magic. They organize a Turkey Drive in November and a Holiday Giving Event in December to ensure that families and individuals in need are getting holiday gifts. Call: 510-553-1262
- Berkeley Food Pantry, Berkeley, Alameda County, CA ⇑ – Berkeley Food Pantry offers food assistance year-round by in-person pickup at their locations or by home delivery. Home delivery is offered to disabled and elderly individuals to addresses in Berkeley and Albany only. If you need food assistance during the Christmas holidays, check their hours and holidays schedule. Call: 510-525-2280
- CityTeam, Oakland, Alameda County, CA ⇑ – CityTeam is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that operates in several cities of Alameda, Santa Clara, and San Francisco counties. CityTeam offers help to those struggling with poverty, homelessness, and addiction. Programs are designed to provide immediate care and help like hot meals, shelter, groceries, clothing, and more for men, women, and children. Assistance and help are offered year round including Christmas time. Call: 510-452-3758
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
- Christmas For Everyone, Light of Grace Korean Presbyterian Church, Martinez, CA ⇑ – Provides really special and free assistance on Christmas day by making free meal deliveries to homebound low-income individuals and offering free dinner pickup and used clothing giveaways for struggling families in Contra Costa County, CA. Call: 925-228-2233
FRESNO COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
- Marjaree Mason Center, Fresno, Fresno County, CA ⇑ – Provides support and services to adults and their children affected by domestic violence. Marjaree Mason Center runs holiday-giving programs, including the Trees of Hope program, which fulfills the Christmas wishes of those affected by domestic violence. Call: 559-233-4357
- Assistance League, Fresno, Fresno County, CA ⇑ – Assistance League of Fresno is a non-profit philanthropic organization serving the Fresno community. At Christmas time, it runs Operation Gift Box. The Operation Gift Box provides essential items to the local senior community during the holidays. Call: 559-226-4001
- Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission, Fresno, Fresno County, CA ⇑ – Fresno EOC is a nonprofit Community Action Agency that offers support to low-income individuals and families for achieving self-sufficiency and provides opportunities to the local population. Assistance to local residents during the Christmas holidays is provided through its various programs, including food distribution and food delivery services. Call: 559-263-1000
- Northpointe Community Church, Fresno, Fresno County, CA ⇑ – Northpointe Community Church accepts new toys and essentials donations at Christmas time. Donated items are distributed to children and families that need them at Northpointe Community Church locations. Call: 559-276-2300
INYO COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
- First 5 Inyo County HHS, Bishop, Inyo County, CA ⇑ – The Annual Holiday Toy Drive is hosted by Inyo County HHS during the Christmas holidays. Thanks to the generous donations the First 5 Inyo County HHS is able to provide Christmas holiday gifts to hundreds of low-income children through their Holiday Toy Shop. Call: 760-873-6453
- Inyo Mono Advocates for Community Action (IMACA), Bishop, Inyo County, CA ⇑ – IMACA is a Community Action Agency focused on providing help and services such as food distribution, housing, youth services, and other individual and family-based programs. If you are local and need food assistance during the Christmas time call 760-873-8557
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
- Family Rescue Center, Canoga Park, Los Angeles County, CA ⇑ – The Family Rescue Center serves individuals and families in need in the West San Fernando Valley by providing food and clothing, including Christmas holiday food and toy distribution. Call: 818-884-7587
- Spark of Love Toy Drive, Fire Dept. County of Los Angeles, CA ⇑ – During the Christmas holidays, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department, ABC7, Toys for Tots, and Southern California firefighters run the Spark of Love Toy Drive. The program collects and distributes new toys and sports equipment to underserved local children and teens via participating local fire departments—Spark of Love Toy Request Form.
- Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA ⇑ – Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization distributing food and other essentials to children, seniors, families, and other needy individuals. If you are in LA County and need food assistance during the Christmas holidays – Call 323-234-3030
- Union Rescue Mission, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA ⇑ – Union Rescue Mission is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization that runs various programs in Los Angeles County, helping people in need get food and shelter. They collect Christmas gifts and donations and double them to help more deprived people during Christmas. Call: 213-347-6300
- Christmas at the Mission, Fred Jordan Missions, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA ⇑ – Fred Jordan Missions is one of the longest-serving hunger relief organizations in Los Angeles County. Christmas at the Mission program distributes food boxes for the families and unique Christmas gifts for the children. Call: 626-915-1981
- Meet Each Need with Dignity (MEND), Pacoima, Los Angeles County, CA ⇑ – MEND is a charity organization in Los Angeles County with programs that serve the poorest individuals and families. At their MEND Holiday Drive, they accept and distribute food, winter items, and board games to hundreds of families and individuals. A Seat At the Table provides the homeless holiday meals, and the Christmas Brunch serves low-income seniors. Call: 818-897-2443
- St. Francis Center – Serving Hope, Los Angeles County, CA ⇑ – St. Francis Center is serving hope to LA County residents in need through the Family Well-Being Program, Youth Programs, and Homeless Well-Being Program – all designed to help end the cycle of poverty. You can register for St. Francis Center’s Pantry Services year-round and during the Christmas holidays if needed. Call: 213-747-5347
- Los Angeles Mission, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA ⇑ – The Los Angeles Mission provides help and opportunity to needy men, women, and children. The not-for-profit organization helps homeless people change their lives by providing food, clothing, and shelter. In the Christmas season, Los Angeles Mission runs the Christmas Matchin Challenge and doubles the donations to provide meals, shelter, and care for people experiencing homelessness. Call: 213-629-1227
- Downtown Women’s Center (DWC), Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA ⇑ – Downtown Women’s Center is a 501(c)(3) organization. DWC is focused exclusively on serving women experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles. DWC can make a better Christmas for those women with the meal program they offer three times daily at their Day Center, 442 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90013. Call: 213-213-2874
- Act of Giving Program, Pomona, Los Angeles County, CA ⇑ – Provides Christmas presents to families in the Pomona, CA area whom the Family Resource Center in the Pomona Unified School District referred. Call: 909-629-6142
- One Voice, Holiday Food Program, Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, CA ⇑ – Provides Christmas food baskets, toys, and books to impoverished families in Los Angeles. Call: 310-458-9961
MONTEREY COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
- Shoreline Church, Monterey, Monterey County, CA ⇑ – The Shoreline Church has a Food Pantry that serves individuals and families in need in the Monterey area by providing food and clothing. The food pantry is operated by volunteers, it is open 2 days weekly and it may help those with food needs at Christmas time. Call: 831-655-0100
- St. Mary’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, Pacific Grove, Monterey County, CA ⇑ – St. Mary’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church offers a food pantry and each December accepts donations to provide Christmas gifts for children whose families are receiving help from local mental health services. Call: 831-373-4441
ORANGE COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
- Operation Christmas Spirit, Lake Forest, Orange County, CA ⇑ – This Operation Help a Hero public charity annual project supports military families at Christmas time via “Adopt” a Military Family and Gifts to Single Service Members programs. Contact to Apply
- Community Action Partnership of Orange County, Garden Grove, Orange County, CA ⇑ – This is a public charity with various programs like Adopt a Family, Sponsor a Family in Need, and Provide a Holiday Meal that can benefit low-income Orange County residents looking for help at the Christmas holidays. If you live in Orange County and need Christmas assistance – Call: 714-897-6670
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
- Feeding America Riverside, Riverside County, CA ⇑ – Feeding America Riverside is a non-profit organization on a mission to alleviate hunger. Christmas assistance to low-income residents is provided through Holiday Drive-Thru Food Distribution. Registration is required, and one box of food is allowed per family. Call: 951-359-4757
- FIND Food Bank, Indio, Riverside County, CA ⇑ – FIND Food Bank collaborates with volunteers to prepare food for distribution throughout Eastern Riverside and South San Bernardino Counties. Riverside County residents looking for help during the Christmas holidays can find distribution locations on the FIND Food Bank website or call 760-775-3663
- Arlington Temporary Assistance, Riverside, Riverside County, CA ⇑ – Arlington Temporary Assistance is a non-profit food pantry organization serving low-income families in Riverside County, CA. It is helping families and individuals in need. Locals can contact ATA for Christmas help and assistance with holiday food packages by visiting their website or calling 951-680-5620
- Christmas Assistance Project, Community Assistance Program (CAP) of Moreno Valley, Riverside County, CA ⇑ – Community Assistance Program of Moreno Valley is a non-profit food pantry organization that works to help Moreno Valley residents who are in need of emergency food and clothing. The Christmas Assistance Project is run jointly with the Moreno Valley Fire Department and distributes packaged food and toys to local residents in need at Christmas time . Call: 951-485-7792
SACRAMENTO COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
- The Gifts From The Heart (GFTH) Program, Sacramento County, CA ⇑ – The Gifts From The Heart (GFTH) Program is an annual holiday gift-giving program run by the Sacramento County Department of Child, Family, and Adult Services. The GFTH program is designed to provide holiday gifts to children, seniors, and disabled adults in Sacramento County. Call: 916-875-2027
- Saint Ignatius Parish, Sacramento, Sacramento County, CA ⇑ – Saint Ignatius Parish offers Christmas assistance through their Feed-A-Family at Christmas program. Donations and volunteers make the distribution of food boxes and the Christmas dinner possible for the benefiting families in Sacramento. Call: 916-482-9666
- Sacramento Sheriff’s Toy Project, Sacramento County, CA ⇑ – Sacramento Sheriff’s Toy Project is a Sacramento County Christmas Assistance Program run by the charitable arm of the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department. The Sacramento Sheriff’s Toy Project provides less fortunate children in Sacramento County with food boxes, clothing, shoes, and gifts during the Christmas holiday season. 916-361-4571
- Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, Sacramento County, CA ⇑ – Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that offers food distribution, utility assistance, and other supporting programs and services to Sacramento County residents. If you need Christmas help with food, find a food distribution location near you by visiting this page or calling 916-498-1000
- Sacramento Loaves & Fishes, Sacramento County, CA ⇑ – Sacramento Loaves & Fishes is a charity providing homeless survival services. All its programs are made possible by the generosity of individual supporters, local businesses, and community foundations. A Christmas Meal is served to homeless men and women seeking assistance during the holiday. Call: 916-446-0874
- Love Action Int., North Highlands, Sacramento County, CA ⇑ – Love Action Int. is a community resource center that provides programs and services to the underserved population of North Highlands. The Love Action International H4H program provides meals and clothing to the homeless in North Highlands and may help at Christmas time to people in need. Call: 916-538-2561
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
- The Way Station, Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, CA ⇑ – This religious organization serves Morongo Basin. Helping people in need with holiday dinners, baskets of turkeys, or hams during Thanksgiving and Christmas time. Call: 760-366-8088
- Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC), San Bernardino, CA ⇑ – CAPSBC is a part of the National Community Action Network. This community action organization works with partners in the San Bernardino area to provide low-income children with Christmas holiday gifts and food. Call: 909-723-1558
- Water of Life Community Church, Fontana, San Bernardino County, CA ⇑ – This community church is running Christmas holiday programs via the local outreach department CityLink. They provide Christmas help and assistance with gifts and groceries during the holidays. CityLink also hosts a Christmas Toy Store where parents can get free toys for their children. Call: 909-803-1059
- Santa Claus Inc, San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA ⇑ – Santa Claus Inc. provides Christmas help and assistance to disadvantaged kids living in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The children in need can get clothing, shoes, toys, books, and much more. Call: 909-885-0090
- Children’s Fund, San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA ⇑ – The Children’s Fund is a nonprofit organization that serves the most vulnerable children in the area who are experiencing poverty and neglect. Each year, during Christmas time, the Children’s Fund runs the Annual Celebration of Giving, where donations and toy drives provide gifts and toys for distribution during the holiday season. Call: 909-379-0000
- Catholic Charities, San Bernardino County, CA ⇑ – This religious organization serves San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. Helping low-income families at risk of losing access to basic needs such as food, clothing, utilities, and housing. A popular Christmas help and assistance is their Adopt-A-Family Program for very low-income families. Call: 909-388-1239
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
- Community Resource Center, Holiday Baskets Program, Encinitas, San Diego County, CA ⇑ – Provides North San Diego County families in need with food, coats, blankets, and gifts for children and more during the Christmas holiday season. Call: 760-753-8300
- San Diego Food Bank, San Diego, San Diego County, CA ⇑ – San Diego Food Bank is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization providing nutritious food to individuals and families in need throughout San Diego County. If you are in San Diego County and need food assistance during the Christmas holidays, call 858-527-1419.
- Feeding San Diego, San Diego, San Diego County, CA ⇑ – Feeding San Diego focuses on food redistribution and hunger relief. This nonprofit provides nutritious food to local families, children, seniors, and veterans experiencing food insecurity. During Christmas time, Feeding San Diego has holiday-themed food distributions. Registered individuals and families receive free holiday meals and dry goods at no cost. Call: 858-452-3663.
- Lifeline Community Services, Vista, San Diego County, CA ⇑ – Lifeline Community Services is a community-based human services organization that serves low-income individuals and families in San Diego County. The charity runs an Adopt-A-Family holiday program that helps low-income families celebrate the Holiday Season. Call: 760-726-4900
- Interfaith Community Services, Escondido, San Diego County, CA ⇑ – Interfaith Community Services is a non-denominational 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in San Diego County, California. The Holiday Sponsor-A-Family Program matches nominated individuals and families the organization serves with generous adopters who fulfill their wishes for the Holiday Season. Call: 760-489-6380
- The Rock Church, San Diego, San Diego County, CA ⇑ – The Rock Church helps low-income community members in need through monthly food distributions. At Christmas time, in addition to food distribution, the church provides gifts and toys to children through events such as The Rock Church Toys for Joy. Call: 619-226-7625 (ROCK)
- Santee Food Bank, San Diego County, CA ⇑ – Santee Food Bank is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing food to needy individuals and families at its distribution site, 9715 Halberns Blvd. Santee, CA 92071. If you live in the area and need help during the holidays, call 619-448-2096
- Venture Church, Encinitas, San Diego County, CA ⇑ – Venture Church Encinitas serves families and individuals in Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar, and many parts of North County San Diego. If you live in the area and need help during the holidays, call 760-452-0893
- Life Christian Church, Vista, San Diego County, CA ⇑ – Life Christian Church runs Food for Life – Grocery Distribution Outreach. The church helps individuals and families in need of food assistance by handing our free boxes of groceries every Saturday. If you live in the area and need help with groceries during the holidays, call 760-439-3300
SANTA CLARA COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
- Sunnyvale Community Services, Santa Clara County, CA ⇑ – Sunnyvale Community Services provides a variety of food programs to assist low-income Santa Clara residents and those at risk of hunger. Every Christmas holiday season, this nonprofit sets up a Holyday Center at its warehouse, where food, gifts, and new toys are distributed to people in need. Call: 408-738-4321
- Martha’s Kitchen, San Jose, Santa Clara County, CA ⇑ – Martha’s Kitchen is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization running meal and grocery programs to provide nutritious food to individuals and families in need throughout Santa Clara County. In addition to the food and meals offered by the Marhta’s Kitchen during the holidays, there is a Martha’s Christmas Present Giveaway for kids ages 0-16. This event is open to everyone, and toys are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are in Santa Clara County and need food assistance or toy gifts for your kids during the Christmas holidays, call 408-293-6111.
- Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, CA ⇑ – Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County is an incorporated nonprofit agency serving the low-income Santa Clara County population with various programs. If you are in need of food during the holiday, visit their website or call 408-468-0100.
- Sacred Heart Community Service, San Jose, Santa Clara County, CA ⇑ – Sacred Heart Community Service distributes groceries and an assortment of food for members who live in Santa Clara County. The holiday food programs cover the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays and have specific distribution days and locations. Call: 408-278-216
- Community Services Agency of Mountain View, Los Altos & Los Altos Hills, Santa Clara County, CA ⇑ – Community Services Agency offers services to local low-income individuals and families, those who are homeless, and seniors who are in need. Each day, the Community Services Agency Food Pantry distributes a ton of food to poor individuals and families. If you are local and in need of help during Christmas time, call 650-968-0836.
SONOMA COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
- Friends In Sonoma Helping, Sonoma County ⇑ – Friends In Sonoma Helping is an all-volunteer organization that provides basic services to locals in need. It provides free food and clothing and helps with utilities and transportation year-round. During Christmas time, FISH distributes Holiday Food Baskets to local individuals and families that need assistance. Call: 707-996-0111
- The Society of St. Vincent de Paul District Council of Sonoma County ⇑ – The Society of St. Vincent de Paul District Council of Sonoma County is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that serves anyone in need in Sonoma County. Their Community Kitchen Free Dining Room is open during the Christms holidays and offer hot, fresh free meals. Call: 707-584-1579
TULARE COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
- Bethlehem Center, Visalia, Tulare County, CA ⇑ – The Bethlehem Center is a non-profit and a mission of the Good Shepherd Catholic Parish. The Bethlehem Center is located in Visalia, CA, and provides hot food prepared daily and food boxes for needy local families and individuals. Meals are served all year round 7 days a week including Christmas holidays. Call: 559-734-1572
VENTURA COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
- Santa to the Sea, Toy Give-Away ⇑ – A running event, toy drive, and community fundraiser is held each year to collect toys for underprivileged children in time for the holiday season; the Toy Give-Away takes place at Santa Claus Park, Oxnard, CA, Call: 805-485-7233
Christmas Assistance and Help Quick Info Box of Helping Americans Find Help site can answer some of the most popular questions people ask, like:
How can I get help for low-income Christmas?
Does the Salvation Army help with Christmas?
Who helps families for Christmas?
Where can I get free toys for Christmas?
Some other searches from our analytics that may help you find the right organization or source to get your Christmas assistance and help:
local adopt-a-family
a free car for Christmas
toys for tots sign up
cars for Christmas Omaha
giving a car for Christmas
Good Luck and Happy Holidays to all visitors in need of Christmas Assitance and Help!
Content: Alex Hill, HAFH Team
|created/curated/disseminated|
Updated Sep 26, 2024
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