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.
For holiday gifts for low-income families, keep reading about Christmas assistance programs .
We also compiled this guide on where to get free toys year-round.
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
- What are the qualifications for free toys from Be an Elf?
- What is the deadline to sign up for free toys from Be an Elf?
- How do I apply for toys from Be an Elf?
Christmas Cops helping families at Christmas
Dream Foundation's Christmas assistance toy program
- What are the qualifications for Christmas giveaways from Dream Foundation?
- What is the deadline to sign up for free gifts from Dream Foundation?
Firefighters giving away toys at Christmas
Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots
- What are the qualifications for free gifts from Toys for Tots?
- What is the deadline to sign up for free gifts from Toys for Tots?
- How can I apply for help from Toys for Tots?
Operation Homefront’s Holiday Toy Drive
- What are the qualifications for free toys from Operation Homefront?
- How to apply for toys from Operation Homefront?
Prison Fellowship Angel Tree
- What are the qualifications for free toys from Angel Tree?
- What is the deadline to sign up for free toys from Angel Tree?
- How can I apply for help from Angel Tree?
Salvation Army’s Angel Tree
- What are the qualifications for free gifts from Angel Tree?
- What is the deadline to sign up for free gifts from Angel Tree?
- How can I apply for help from Angel Tree?
Santa’s Little Helpers
- What are the qualifications for help from Santa’s Little Helpers?
- When can I sign up for help from Santa’s Little Helpers?
- How can I apply for help from Santa’s Little Helpers?
Task Force Kringle
- What are the qualifications for free toys from Task Force Kringle?
- What is the deadline to sign up for free toys from Task Force Kringle?
- How can I apply for help from Task Force Kringle?
USPS Operation Santa®
- What are the qualifications for free toys from Operation Santa?
- What is the deadline to sign up for free toys from Operation Santa?
- How can I apply for help from Operation Santa?
Make-A-Wish Foundation
- What are the qualifications for free toys from Make-A-Wish?
- What is the deadline to sign up for free toys from Make-A-Wish Foundation?
- How can I apply for help from Make-A-Wish Foundation?
Christmas help in 2023
- American Red Cross
- Assistance League
- Catholic Charities
- Lions Club
- Schools
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul
- United Way
- YMCA and YWCA
Christmas toy freebies
- 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
Christmas money
Need more help for Christmas? Check out these helpful resources
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: They recommend mailing your family’s letters in one envelope (so volunteers know you’re one unit) and being honest as to why you need financial assistance this year.
Then, 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.
11 steps to surviving financially as a single mom
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.
Santa’s Little Helpers
Santa’s Little Helpers is an online Reddit community aimed to help give families in need a joyful Christmas.
What are the qualifications for help from Santa’s Little Helpers?
While anyone can register for Santa’s Little Helpers, they take preference to families who absolutely cannot give their kids a Christmas.
When can I sign up for help from Santa’s Little Helpers?
Sign up for Santa’s Little Helpers happens around November 1.
How can I apply for help from Santa’s Little Helpers?
When registration opens, families who’d like to get free toys can visit the Reddit thread to apply. Then, you’ll create an Amazon wishlist describing who you are, why your family needs assistance, and then pick out clothes and toys for your kids. Online Reddit users can then purchase gifts through your Amazon wishlist.
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.
How to sell your gold, diamond or silver jewelry for cash, safely
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 in 2023
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.
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.
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.
25 gift ideas for your boyfriend's mom
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.
How single moms can pay off debt (even on a low income)
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.
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
| Help for single moms: 16+ resources | $500 monthly single mom grant |
| Free laptops | Scholarships for single moms |
| Free car | Free clothes |
| Free smartphone | Best jobs moms can do from home |
| Free wifi | Free and low-cost prescriptions |
| Free formula | Free diapers |
| Government assistance for single moms | Free daycare |
| Free preschool | Free gas |
| Affordable dentures | Free money |
| 10+ charities that help single mothers | Tutoring and homework help |
| Free or low-cost after school programs | Health insurance |
| Cash for junk cars | Free food |
| Dumpster diving | Low-income home loans |
| Free school supplies | Free housing |
| Home buyer grants | Free or cheap dental care |
| Free gift cards | Cheap eats near me |
| Free money for bills | Free baby stuff |
| Free car seat | EBT cash |
| EBT on Amazon | EBT discounts and freebies |
Find single-mom resources in every state:
| Alabama | Alaska |
| Arizona | Arkansas |
| California | Colorado |
| Connecticut | Delaware |
| District of Columbia | Florida |
| Georgia | Hawaii |
| Idaho | Illinois |
| Indiana | Iowa |
| Kansas | Kentucky |
| Louisiana | Maine |
| Maryland | Massachusetts |
| Michigan | Minnesota |
| Mississippi | Missouri |
| Montana | Nebraska |
| Nevada | New Hampshire |
| New Jersey | New Mexico |
| New York | North Carolina |
| North Dakota | Ohio |
| Oklahoma | Oregon |
| Pennsylvania | Rhode Island |
| South Carolina | South Dakota |
| Tennessee | Texas |
| Utah | Vermont |
| Virginia | Washington |
| West Virginia | Wisconsin |
| Wyoming |
How do I sign up for Toys for Tots?
Those wanting help from Toys for Tots should go on their website and click “donate or request a toy” to find a list of agencies. You’ll have to provide the names and ages of kids in your family, proof of residency, and explain why you need help with toys. A coordinator will call you to verify your information.
