Holiday Assistance Resources 2021

Find holiday assistance programs throughout Massachusetts.

Statewide

Mass 2-1-1
This online directory is an information resource for emergency food, rent, help paying your heating and utility bills, mental health counseling, health programs, public health and safety services, child care referrals, job resources, and other help for individuals, parents and families.  Holiday search results for Massachuetts. Tip: use “holiday” under keyword search and set your location.

Project Bread Food Source Hotline
Project Bread screens residents of Massachusetts for eligibility for the SNAP Program, helps people apply over the phone and provides information on community food programs.  This hotline has translators available in 140 languages.
Hotline: (800) 645-8333
Phone: (617) 723-5000
TTY: 1-800-377-1292
Email: info@projectbread.org

Salvation Army Massachusetts Division – Thanksgiving Basket Distribution
The Salvation Army endeavors to spread hope year-round while also acknowledging religious and national holidays. Provides children and individuals with clothing, toys and gifts. In addition, seniors and families may receive financial assistance to help them meet basic needs, such as vouchers for utilities, rent and grocery store / food pantry items. Zip Codes Served: Roxbury: 02119, 02120, Roslindale: 02131, Hyde Park: 02133, 02136, 02137, West Roxbury: 02132

Toys for Tots  – Apply for Toys
The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

By Area

Boston (Central Hispanic) Corps Community Center 
You need to pre-register for the Thanksgiving Basket and for Christmas assistance at your local Salvation Army

 *ALL clients must provide child’s birth certificate, proof of residency, photo ID, proof of financial need.

Your registration will be confirmed once you complete the verification process.

IMPORTANT: Here’s how you can verify your information

Email us at MASHoliday@use.salvationarmy.org OR

Contact your local Salvation Army Corps

Items needed for verification:

• Birth Certificate of each child (in your household)
• Financial need (MassHealth Card, WIC, SSI, current pay stub, etc.)
• Photo ID (for each adult living in the household)
• Proof of residence (current home, gas, cable, utility bill, etc.)

Questions?  |  MASHoliday@use.salvationarmy.org  |  (339) 502-5885

For more information call: 617.536.7469, if you don’t live in the zip code area they serve they will give you the contact information for the proper branch. The requirements may vary by office. Visit Salvation Army at 23 Vernon Street, Roxbury, MA 02119

Boston South End Corps Community Center
Pre-Registration:  Starts 10/22
Distribution: Saturday, November 23
You will need to bring in the following information:

• Picture ID for all the adults living in the household
• Current utility bill (home phone, gas, electric, cable and water) – verifies where you live

**  Qualifying families are also invited to pre-register for Christmas Assistance:

PLEASE NOTE: REGISTRATION and pickup location is based upon your zip code

Cape Cod: Cape Cod Times Needy Fund
PO Box 804
Hyannis, MA 02601
Mission is to provide financial assistance to Cape Cod residents for basic human needs. They have a gift certificate program for Christmas.
Phone: 508-778-5661 or 800-422-1446
Email: info@needyfund.org

Essex County: Essex County Hunger Relief
Lists all soup kitchens and food pantries located in Essex County Massachusetts.

Eastern Massachusetts: Globe Santa – How to Request Gifts for Your Family
Serves eastern Massachusetts. Families request toys by writing to Globe Santa, stating their family size and need. This must be verified and countersigned by a social service or religious agency that is currently registered with the Globe Santa fund.  For more information on requesting gifts and Globe Santa communities
Mail your request. Send your letter and completed verification form to the following address by November 23
Globe Santa
39B Teed Drive
Randolph, MA 02368
Phone: 617-929-2002
Email: santa@globe.com
Phone: 617-929-2002

My Brother’s Keeper Christmas Assistance
Assistance is provided by delivery only— no pick-ups at our facility. The towns we service for our Christmas Assistance Program are as follows: Boston area south to Fall River and Cape Cod.
All requests are processed by phone. We cannot accept e-mail requests or requests made in-person at our facility due to staffing limitations.
Christmas Assistance Line
508-238-2562
Call for up-to-date days & hours of operation

By Town/City

Amesbury – Our Neighbor’s Table
Free food is for both Thanksgiving and Christmas to families that would otherwise go without. Our holiday programs offer a variety of groceries to help families prepare a delicious holiday meal in their own home for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Registration opens 1 month prior to holiday distribution. Distribution dates are listed in the local paper, on our website, and in our office during the holiday season.
PO Box 592
Amesbury, Massachusetts 01913
Phone: 978-388-1907

Beverly – Salvation Army of the North Shore
Provides services that include food pantries, rent payment assistance, electric bill payment assistance, gas bill payment assistance, utility payment assistance, Christmas baskets, Thanksgiving baskets and prescription. Check with the Salvation Army for application deadlines for assistance for Thanksgiving and Christmas and for the pick up date. You must bring photo ID, proof of all income, proof of all expenses, include all household members Birth certificates to all children under 13, health cards and social security cards for all household member.
Address: 50 Elliot St
Phone: 978-922-4522

Boston – Salvation Army
BOSTON Thanksgiving Distribution
You will need to bring in the following information:
Picture ID for all the adults living in the household
Current utility bill (home phone, gas, electric, cable and water) – verifies where you live
** Qualifying families are also invited to pre-register for Christmas Assistance:  Quantities are limited and registration is based upon a first come first served basis.
PLEASE NOTE: REGISTRATION and pickup location is based upon your zip code.
Christmas – Families who qualify can pre-register for Christmas assistance which includes; a food voucher for a Christmas dinner, winter coats for family members, and toys for each child in the household under the age of 16.
Distribution:  December 16 – December 18
At The Castle at Park Plaza – Pick-Up Times will be Provided at Registration
You will need to bring in the following information:
Picture ID for all the adults living in the household
Current utility bill (home phone, gas, electric, cable and water) – verifies where you live
Birth Certificate of each child in your household under the age of 16
Proof of financial need (Mass Health Card, WIC, SSI approval letter, Current pay stub, etc.)
Quantities are limited and registration is based upon a first come first served basis.

The Salvation Army South End Corps Serves:
Back Bay/Beacon Hill: 02108, 02114, 02116, 02117
Fenway/Kenmore: 02123, 02115, 02215
Central: 02109, 02210, 02111, 02112, 02113, 02123, 02134, 02135, 02163
South End: 02118

Burlington – People Helping People Holiday Program 

• Thanksgiving During the month of October, families may sign up at the People Helping People Food Pantry. Meals are distributed at the United Church of Christ Congregational on Lexington Street the Sunday before Thanksgiving.
  For more information, contact Jane McIninch and Christie Ventura at 781-270 6625, burlingtonpantry@gmail.com
• Wish Tree Program
  During the month of October, families may sign up for the Wish Tree Program. Gifts are provided for children from infants through senior year of high school. Each child receives a sweatshirt, pajamas, four wishes, hat and gloves, books and miscellaneous toys.
  For more information or to volunteer,
  Please contact Judy Walsh at 617-797-6786 or by judyw621@gmail.com.

Charlestown – The Kennedy Center Community Resource Center (CRC)

The CRC is located at 55 Bunker Hill Street in Charlestown and is open to the public Monday through Friday 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The CRC staff provides a wide range of antipoverty and social services on both a scheduled and drop-in basis. Services are offered for Charlestown residents. Winter coat drive for both adults and children.
Annual Holiday Gift Drive that provides seasonal gifts for over 400 children from low income families. For more information contact the Director of Community Services, Crystal Galvin at: 617-241-8866 EXT. 1352 cgalvin@kennedycenter.org.

Dorchester – Action for Boston Community Development Winter Fund
Many locations throughout ABCD’s network of neighborhood sites offer holiday meal assistance in the form of food baskets, turkeys, and food supplies that low-income families need to cook and serve holiday meals in their homes. We make food baskets, turkeys, and other holiday meal supplies available for pickup at many neighborhood sites from mid-November through the end of December.

 Fall River – Citizens for Citizens, Operation Christmas
Provides toys to parents of children from birth to 12 years of age to be given as gifts at Christmas. (Serves surrounding towns of Somerset, Swansea and Westport).
Custodial parent of children may apply.
Documentation Needed: Medical cards or social security number.
Application Process: Applicant may apply by filling out an application at our Griffin Street location for clients from the Greater Fall River area or our 1 Taunton Green office for Taunton area clients.
Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Must apply in person.
Fall River Office
Program: Operation Christmas
Director: Chrystal Arpa
Address: 264 Griffin Street Fall River, MA 02724
E-Mail: carpa@cfcinc.org
Telephone: (508) 679-0041
Fax: (508) 324-0643
Office Hours: Monday through Friday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Haverhill – Salvation Army
Provides services that include food pantries, rent payment assistance, electric bill payment assistance (in December), gas bill payment assistance, utility payment assistance, Christmas baskets, Thanksgiving dinner and prescription.

Applicants are required to bring: Photo ID, proof of ALL household income, proof of expenses (rent/mortgage, utilities, etc.), proof of address in Haverhill, Bradford, or Groveland, Proof of all household members via ID for adults and birth certificates for children.
Want to Help? Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are needed to serve, act as wait staff and clean up.  We will need volunteers from 11:00am to approximately 2:00pm. All you need to bring is your smile.
Contact: Majors Walter and Lynnann Rivers at 978-420-4192

• Christmas Angel Tree Program: Each year, The Salvation Army helps provide Christmas gifts to children 12 and under who would not otherwise experience the joy of Christmas due to their families’ financial struggle.
  Applicants are required to bring: Photo ID, proof of ALL household income, proof of expenses (rent/mortgage, utilities, etc.), proof of address in Haverhill, Bradford, or Groveland, proof of all household members via ID for adults and birth certificates for children.
  Distribution of gifts and vouchers will be at The Salvation Army, 395 Main Street, Haverhill.
  Assistance is available for those who live in Haverhill, Merrimac and Groveland.
  Address: 395 Main St.
  Phone: 978-420-4192

Hopkinton – Project Just Because, Inc.
The Holiday Wish List Program allows needy families to request toys, gifts, and other assistance at Christmas and Easter. Holiday gift program opening November 23, 2020.  See website for application.
P.O. Box 36 86 South Street
Hopkinton, MA, 01748
(508) 435-6511

Lawrence – Neighbors in Need
Must be a client of the food pantry or referred by a caseworker from a local social service agency. Food pantry may provide holiday meals and Christmas/Thanksgiving baskets to those in need. Offers deliveries for homebound people.

If you are a client and would like to sign up for your holiday meal, please check with Neighbors in Need at 978-685-8321 for sign up dates. Pick up will be at the pantry where you usually get your food.
“Infant In Need” program provides formula, diapers and clothing to low income families.
Address: 60 Island St., Suite 251 Lawrence, MA 01840
Phone: (978) 685-8321

Lawrence – Salvation Army

Provides services that include food pantries, rent payment assistance, electric bill payment assistance, gas bill payment assistance, and utility payment assistance. Offers Santa fund, Angels, and Adopt-a-family. Need to apply in person and bring photo ID, proof of address, school letter stating children are in school, custody papers, if applicable, proof of income and birth certificate for children. Ages 0 – 12. Contact the Salvation Army for the sign up deadline.
Address: 250 Haverhill St
Phone: (978) 682-8038

Mansfield – West Side Benevolent Circle
Provides assistance to Mansfield residents which includes holiday gifts/toys for children in 12th grade and under. Also provides Christmas baskets to elders. The application deadline is October 31. If you need assistance please call them at 508-339-3397.
westsidebcinfo@gmail.com
P O Box 506, Mansfield, MA 02048
Phone: (508) 339-3397
Facebook page

Newburyport – Community Service of Newburyport, Inc.
Provides food pantry, multi-service center (up to 10 nonperishable canned food items per week, used clothing and practical items). Distributes gifts to needy children (up to age 14) at Christmas. Serves the towns of Newburyport, West Newburyport, and Newbury.
Holiday Gift Bags for Children and Seniors

• The Holiday Gift Assistance Program distributes presents to children and seniors in need in cooperation with church groups, civic clubs, businesses, and individuals. Children must be ages infant to 14 years old and reside in Newburyport, Newbury, or West Newbury.
  Deadline is November 19,2020.   Please bring a photo ID and proof of address.
  If you would like to donate to this program, call 978-465-7562 during office hours.
• Trees for Christmas Vouchers are distributed to families in need for beautiful Christmas trees provided by
  Christmas Tree Santas. Vouchers are available in October and November and trees may be picked up in December.

North Andover – Eagle-Tribune Santa Fund
Donations allow the fund to provide vouchers to use for buying gifts, clothing, and toys. Businesses (such as Target) and individuals contribute. This year, The Salvation Army, 250 Haverhill St., Lawrence (telephone 978-682-8038), will interview and verify the needs of these local families and will process vouchers redeemable for food, and toys.
Address is 100 Turnpike St
North Andover, Massachusetts, 01845

Northbridge – Northbridge Resources for Families in Need

Provides Christmas toys and baskets for families with children ages 0-17. Emergency food pantry, one visit per month for residents. Food pantry open Tuesday and Thursday.
For Christmas toys contact Catholic Charities at 508-234-3800.
Senior Center
20 Highland St
Whitinsville, MA 01588
Phone: (508) 234-4599

Norwell Food Pantry / Kids In Need and Holiday Adopt-a-Family Programs
“Kids In Need” is a year round program for any child in Norwell whose family may be having difficulty providing some necessities. Thanksgiving baskets are provided to Norwell residence pick up on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving from 2-4pm. You must bring proof of residency and a photo ID. To apply for the “Holiday Adopt A Family” the sign up begins in November each year, ends a week before Christmas, and gifts are delivered to Town Hall mid-December. Only callers who leave a voicemail message will have their calls returned.
Address: PO Box 644, Norwell, MA 02061
Phone: (781) 690-5050 or (781) 659-7878
Email: norwellfp@aol.com

Pittsfield – The Christian Center
Holiday Angel Program Holiday gifts for families with a focus on often-overlooked teens. Thanksgiving Program Hundreds of food baskets distributed in addition to hundreds of meals prepared for traditional meal served at The Christian Center and also delivered to sick and shut-in on Thanksgiving Day.
(413) 443-2828

Roxbury – Salvation Army
Thanksgiving Basket
If you and your family reside in Boston and are in need of assistance for a Thanksgiving meal, please come pre-register at a local Salvation Army site. Families who qualify will pre-register to receive a turkey along with all the fixings to enjoy the traditions of Thanksgiving in the comfort of their own homes. Each basket includes a turkey, fresh vegetables, stuffing, cranberry sauce, a pie, coffee and a roasting pan.
Items Required: Photo ID for all adults living in the household, current utility bill (home phone, gas, electric, cable and water) to verify where you live.
Application Period: TBD
Zip Codes Served: Roxbury: 02119, 02120, Roslindale: 02131, Hyde Park: 02133, 02136, 02137, West Roxbury: 02132

• Christmas Castle:
  Families who qualify will pre-register for Christmas assistance which includes: a food voucher for Christmas dinner, winter coats for family members and toys for each child in the household under the age of 15.
• Items Required: Photo ID for all adults living in the household, current utility bill (home phone, gas, electric, cable and water) to verify where you live, birth certificate of each child in your household under the age of 15, proof of financial need (Mass Health Card, WIC, SSI approval letter, current pay stub, etc.)
• Application Period: TBD
• Zip Codes Served:Roxbury: 02119, 02120, Roslindale: 02131, Hyde Park: 02133, 02136, 02137, West Roxbury: 02132
• Distribution: Held at the Park Plaza Castle in the Back Bay from Monday, December 10th – Wednesday, December 12th. Specific times will be provided upon registration.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are needed to set up, escort clients, “personal shop” for coats and toys and more.Several shifts are available. Please contact Kimberly Santos at Christina.Shaughnessy@use.salvationarmy.org to sign up or click here for more information.
• **Quantities are limited and registration is based upon a first-come first-served basis.
• *If your zip code is not in this area of Boston, please visit this link,  for other Boston locations.
• For more information please call: 617.536.7469.

Scituate – Scituate Community Christmas
Scituate Community Christmas is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization formed to help provide food and new Christmas gifts to Scituate families who are faced with economic hardship or other circumstances during the holiday season. Since 1989, Scituate Community Christmas has served hundreds of families needing assistance. The organization’s focus is children and the elderly without family in the area. There is a strict residency requirement; all recipients must reside in the Town of Scituate.
Please complete the online form to request assistance for yourself or for someone else or call us at 781-545-7108. Scituate Community Christmas is available only to Scituate residents. Children are eligible up to their 18th birthday, unless the individual is disabled. All information provided is kept in strict confidence.
125 Mann Lot Road
Scituate, MA 02066
Phone: (781) 545-7108
Email: info@scituatecommunitychristmas.org

Springfield – Holiday Meals, Open Pantry
“Holiday Meals” program provides Christmas meals, Thanksgiving meals, and Easter meals. Home delivery is available to those who are home bound. Deliveries of meals can only be made to people in Springfield who are elderly and home bound or home bound because of a disability. Contact program for deadline for requesting home delivery for Thanksgiving and for Christmas.
There are no reservations required for the sit down meal. All are welcome to eat, donate their time, money or baking skills.
415 State Street, Springfield, MA 01105
Phone: (413) 737-5354
Email: opcs@openpantry.org

Springfield – Salvation Army
Toys for Joy Registration Information
Dates: Monday – Wednesday November 26-28, 2018
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: The Salvation Army, 170 Pearl Street, Springfield, MA
Please bring: Birth Certificate (original or copy) or passport for all children 16 years old and under;
Proof of Financial Need (MassHealth Card, WIC, SSI, approval letter, etc.)
Picture ID for parent/guardian
Proof of current address (within the last 30 days)
Towns we serve: Agawam, East Longmeadow, Feeding Hills, Hampden, Indian Orchard, Longmeadow, Ludlow, Monson, Springfield, Three Rivers, Ware, West Springfield, Wilbraham, Westfield, Southwick, Belchertown.
Toy for Joy Distribution
Pick up for only for those who registered.
Dates: Monday-Wednesday, December 17, 18, 19. For more information, please call 413-733-1518.

Taunton – Corline Cronan’s Family, Inc.
For each of these holidays (Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas), a continental breakfast is served from 8AM-11AM, and a hot meal is served from 11AM-1PM. A free raffle of gift cards for many local fast food franchises is held from 10:30AM-11AM. Hot meals are also delivered to shut-ins. All attendees can take away a second meal, a bag of canned and non-perishable groceries, as well as gently used clothing. In addition, new items such as blankets, knit hats, gloves, and personal hygiene have been provided at various times. This year, donations of new tube socks are being sought.
Preparation for the meals, such as setting up tables, sorting clothes, bagging the groceries, and preparing the food for the meals occurs on the day before the holidays at the high school. Further food preparation, serving, delivering meals, and cleanup occur on the holiday itself. Volunteers are needed for all these activities.
c/o Dr. Karen E. Reamsnyder, Raynham Veterinary Hospital, Inc.
402 South Street East, Raynham, MA 02767
Please feel free to call for information: tel: 508 823-8443
Also, if you would like to make a donation, please send it to
Corline Cronan’s Family 402 South Street East Raynham, Ma 02767

Taunton – Citizens for Citizens, Operation Christmas
Operation Christmas distributes toys to parents of children from birth to 12 years of age to be given as gifts at Christmas.
Eligibility: Custodial parents of children may apply
Documentation Needed: ID and social security cards.
Application Process: Applicant may apply by filling out an application at our Griffin Street location for clients from the Greater Fall River area or our 1 Taunton Green office for Taunton area clients.

Taunton Office
Program: Operation Christmas
Director: Debbie Araujo
Address: 1 Taunton Green Taunton, MA 02780
E-Mail: daraujo@cfcinc.org
Telephone: (508) 823-6346
Fax: (508) 823-6348
Office Hours: Monday through Friday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Woburn – Council for Social Concern
Charitable, community-based agency for Woburn and Winchester residents. Provides information, referral, food assistance, childcare options, and family skill building services. “Holiday Basket” is available to Woburn and Winchester residents. The deadline is November 2. Call for an application. Home delivery is available for elderly and homebound residents. Gluten Free food items are offered to anyone from any city/town.  For gluten free food you must call 781-935-6495 and make an appointment.
Contact Debbi Pisari at debbi@socialconcern.org
2 Merrimac Street, Woburn, MA 01801-1606
Phone: (781) 935-6495
Facebook page

Worcester – The Friendly House
Many services are offered to the low income. Food, meals, holiday baskets, and referrals are just some of the examples of services.
Friendly House Thanksgiving Registration
Beginning October 15, 2018 from 10-4pm until the 1st week of November.
To register, please bring: Photo Identification, Proof of income, Proof of address, Proof of children under 18 in the home, Proof of all the people that live with you all year around (Not the people that are visiting)
Registration is by zip code, FRIENDLY HOUSE Serves 01602, 01604, Parts of 01605 And 01606. Please call 508-755-4362 if you have any questions.
Toys for Tots sign up- November
36 Wall Street
Worcester, MA, 01604
Telephone number is (508) 755-4362

Worcester – Toys For Tots Request Form
Call and give Worcester zip code and they will direct you to location.
Phone: (508) 754-2858 – Please do not leave phone messages. Due to call volume, phone messages will not be returned.
We are open Monday-Friday 9:00a.m.-4:00p.m and are located at:
74 Providence St.
Worcester, MA 01604

Final Distribution 12/21/2020 – 9:00 am – 4:00 pm  In order to mitigate risks associated with COVID-19 we will be doing our final distribution across 3 days, December 21st – 23rd, and divided into groups. Individual families will receive an email with their date by Wednesday, 16 December.  Please check back for more details after November 1st.

Worcester:  Salvation Army Holiday Assistance Christmas Assistance
Sign-Up – December 2, 3, 5, 6,  – 10:00am to 12:00pm / 1:00pm to 3:00pm
December 4 – 5:00pm to 7:00pm

Required Items:
1) Valid photo ID
2) Proof of residency
3) Proof of income
4) Child’s birth certificate

Fact Sheet last updated on: 12/3/2021