The holidays are a great time for people to get together and enjoy each other’s company.

The holidays also generally mean plenty of food and lots of gifts.

This can be hard for people who are struggling financially.

It’s already hard enough to deal with bills throughout the year but this can be even harder during the holiday season.

Luckily, Christmas time is right around the corner and there are plenty of assistance opportunities that may be able to help from bill pay assistance, to free food, to free toys, and more!

Christmas Assistance Opportunities

Many people don’t realize that there are a lot of Christmas assistance opportunities that are available.

Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ (but it is celebrated by many who don’t practice that religion).

Christmas Support Programs

When celebrating this holiday, many people like to focus on giving to those in need.

There are plenty of programs available:

• Salvation Army Assistance
• Marine Toys for Tots
• Operation Christmas Child
• Christmas Tree Project
• Cars 4 Heroes: Christmas Drive
• Local Charity Assistance

Salvation Army Assistance

The Salvation Army is an organization that is known for helping those in need.

They can be especially helpful during Christmas time.

While there is year-round assistance that this organization offers through homeless shelters, food pantries, etc., there is additional support during the holiday season.

This is done through means like the Angel Tree Program and with bill pay assistance.

The Angel Tree Program is an option that can give free toys to kids who normally wouldn’t get Christmas presents.

In terms of bill pay assistance, the Salvation Army helps households pay their utility bills in the hopes of offsetting the financial burdens that Christmas may bring.

This can help households stay warm even during the cold season!

Marine Toys for Tots

Sometimes, parents may need to make the decision between paying their bills or buying their children’s toys.

However, since 1991, Marine Toys for Tots has given parents the chance to not have to make this decision.

This foundation can help provide families with new unwrapped toys for children in need during Christmas time.

Operation Christmas Child

Another source of assistance for children is Operation Christmas Child.

This project aims to give shoeboxes full of toys, school supplies, and hygiene items.

Not only can children in the United States benefit, but so can other kids around the world.

Christmas Tree Project

The Christmas Tree Project understands that not every family can afford a Christmas tree.

Since Christmas is an old holiday, there are traditions that come with it.

One tradition, in particular, is having a Christmas tree.

Having a tree gets people into the Christmas spirit!

On average, a live Christmas tree can cost between $80 and $100!

Instead of having to pay for a Christmas tree, the Christmas Tree Project aims to give fully decorated trees to families in need.

Cars 4 Heroes: Christmas Drive

Life is full of ups and downs. That’s no different for heroes.

There are times when a person can find that they can’t handle the cost of a car whether it’s being able to afford a car, handling car repairs, etc.

That is why Cars 4 Heroes takes initiative during the holiday season.

In fact, every holiday season this organization gives vehicles to households in need which include households with heroes like veterans, active military members, first responders, etc.

However, this organization also provides cars to everyday people (not just heroes).

Known as Cars 4 Christmas, the vehicles are filled with a Christmas ham, cleaning products, gas cards, toys, and more!

Local Charity Assistance

Another great assistance option is getting help from local charities.

These charities work with other organizations to offer Christmas assistance to those in need.

You will need to check local assistance options that are near your zip code.

The assistance of these charities varies based on where you go, so it’s even more important to make sure that you check what’s available.

Alternative Options if You Can’t Get Christmas Assistance

Even though there are families in need, they may not be able to get support through Christmas assistance.

Luckily, there are other options that may be able to help:

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Housing Choice Voucher Program

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

TANF is an assistance option that aims to help families achieve self-sufficiency.

The program will vary by state and can help with childcare, job support, cash assistance, and more.

Eligibility requirements will also vary based on the state, so if you want to learn more about the program, you will need to get in touch with your local TANF program office.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Groceries are an expensive bill that people have to deal with.

That is why SNAP was created!

SNAP can provide qualifying recipients with a monthly amount on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.

This card cannot be used just anywhere.

It can only be used at locations that accept them as a form of payment.

The amount that a recipient can get is based on information found on the application like family size, income level, and more.

However, there are maximum limits in place!

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Eligible individuals may be able to receive support through SSI.

This program can give people who are at least 65 years old, blind, or disabled money every month (as long as they have a limited income with limited resources).

SSI is managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) so you want to get in touch with that office for more information.

Housing Choice Voucher Program

Also referred to as Section 8, this is a housing assistance program that can help eligible individuals who are dealing with financial hardship.

This program will give housing vouchers to recipients for a set amount.

The amount of the voucher is based on information found on the application.

Sadly, housing vouchers cannot be used just anywhere but only be used at properties that accept them as a form of payment.

Even though this is a federal program, it varies by state and is managed by your local public housing authority (PHA).

Overall

There are plenty of Christmas assistance options that can help people in need.

Popular Christmas assistance options include:

• Salvation Army Assistance
• Marine Toys for Tots
• Operation Christmas Child
• Christmas Tree Project
• Cars 4 Heroes: Christmas Drive
• Local Charity Assistance

Generally, this assistance is in limited supply, so individuals may need to check out some other options that can provide aid like:

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Housing Choice Voucher Program

You may be able to benefit during the holiday season, you just need to know the places to check out!