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Apply Now to Get FREE Christmas Help in Indiana!

Apply Now to Get FREE Christmas Help in Indiana!

f you need Christmas help in Indiana, you’re not alone! Christmas can be hard when money is tight. Fortunately, there are many organizations that may be able to help you with free Christmas gifts, food and more for free!

We know firsthand how frustrating it is when you can’t provide your kiddos with the holiday celebration they expect or yearn for. Sometimes, the money just isn’t there. I’ve received holiday help for my kids before and I’ve spent the last 10 years looking for ways that low income families can get a little extra help.

In this article, we’ll show you where to get Christmas help in Indiana. From well-known nationwide charities to small local helpers, we want to make it as easy as possible for your family to get the help you need this holiday season.

Free Christmas Help in Indiana

Across Indiana, many well-known organizations like Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army spread Christmas cheer by giving out free toys and meals. These groups work all over the country, and they’re in many Indiana towns too. In this section, we’ll show you how to apply for free Christmas gifts from these agencies near you.

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities offers free Christmas help to low income families. Depending on your location, they may provide free Christmas gifts, food, clothing and more!

In Indiana, the program is broken up by regions. For example, the East Region serves clients in Adams, Allen, Huntington, Wabash, Wells and Whitley Counties. There are other regions that serve other counties.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Your family must earn 200% of the Federal Poverty Level or less in order to be eligible. Any children who receive help must be under the age of 18 and live in your home.

HOW TO APPLY: You can find the application instructions on the Catholic Charities website for your area. You need to apply in early to mid October.

Lutheran Social Services of Indiana

Lutheran Social Services offers a variety of different programs that help low income families. Their programs include early learning centers, workforce services, financial literacy education, recovery care, new baby programs, care management programs for pregnant or parenting teenagers and so much more.

Clients who are already served by LSSI may be able to receive help with the holidays through their organization. Their Adopt-a-Family program currently provides a Walmart gift card valued at $50 per family member and an additional $75 for food.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Low income individuals and families in Indiana who are already participating in an LSSI program.

HOW TO APPLY: You need to contact LSSI and go through an intake process in order to register for one of their existing non-Christmas assistance programs. LSSI has locations in Fort Wayne, South Bend, Warsaw and Peru.

Red Ribbon Christmas Outreach

Red Ribbon Christmas Outreach is a ministry organized by Kokomo Rescue Mission. This program provides Christmas help to more than 1,000 Indiana families in the Mission’s 6-county area.

Every year, this program distributes new and gently used toys to children who qualify. They also provide special holiday food, such as hams, potatoes, apples and oranges. They also provide hygiene supplies.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Low income families who live in the Mission’s 6-county service area may be able to receive help.

HOW TO APPLY: Application instructions were not provided in the newsletter that I reviewed. However, 211 reports that you have to walk into one of the mission’s four locations in order to apply in person. Bring valid photo ID, social security cards, birth certificates, proof of income and proof of address if you live in subsidized housing.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army in Indiana steps up in a big way during the Christmas season. They give out gifts and food to families that need help. Their “Angel Tree” program matches low income kids and seniors with It lets other people shop for your children’s requests.

They also serve hot meals and give away food baskets so families can have a special Christmas dinner.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Although anyone can usually get a meal, the gift-giving programs are usually limited to children and seniors.

HOW TO APPLY: Find your local Salvation Army chapter by using the Location Search on the Salvation Army website. Contact them for application instructions.

Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots is another famous Christmas campaign that distributes toys to children who need them. This program is run by the US Marine Corps Reserve. Every year, they gather new unwrapped toys that have been donated. They give them to families who can’t afford to buy gifts.

In Indiana, Toys for Tots is available in almost every county. There are only 12 counties that are not covered by this program and they are: Adams, Blackford, Crawford, Decatur, Delaware, Huntington, Jackson, Jay, Jefferson, Noble, Pulaski, and Wells Counties.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Children from low income families are generally eligible. Many programs only serve children ages 12 and under, though.

HOW TO APPLY: Go to ToysforTots.org and click the big “Request a Toy” button on their website. Follow the prompts to select your state and county.

Other Christmas Help

There are many other nationwide organizations that serve low income families, seniors and veterans in Indiana! If you’d like help with free Christmas gifts, trees, and even meals, then you need to check out our Nationwide Christmas Resource Directory for even more ways that you can get help this holiday season!

Local Christmas Help in Indiana

In Indiana, local communities come together to make sure everyone has a joyful Christmas. From churches to community centers, there are many local programs that offer help.

Look for your county in the list below to discover even more ways that you can get holiday help this season.

Allen County

Beacon Heights Church of The Brethren in Fort Wayne, invites low-income families, veterans, the working poor, homeless, and seniors to their food pantry once per month for a five day supply of free food. It does not appear that they have a specific holiday program but their food bank may be able to supplement your holiday meal with essential staples.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fort Wayne has an annual Christmas Food Box program that can help low income families. They currently support more than 800 families every year. You must register during one of their registration events, which usually happen before or just after Thanksgiving.

Bartholomew County

Angels of Love in Columbus provides free Christmas gifts to families who have children attending the Lincoln Central Neighborhood District. Your children must be age 18 or under to qualify. Registration is due in October. They also offer a dine-in Christmas meal as well.

Elks Lodge #521 in Columbus has a Children’s Fund that provides limited Christmas help to families in the area. You must live in Bartholomew County and have an income that is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level in order to qualify. Children must be age 16 or under and still attending school to qualify.

Delaware County

Blood n Fire Ministries in Muncie provides an annual Community Christmas Store. This program allows parents to purchase two high-quality gifts per child for just $2.50 each. Children must be under 18 years old. You don’t need to register in advance, but you do need to bring a photo ID for yourself as well as either a birth certificate, social security card or proof of custody for each child.

Muncie Mission in Muncie provides a carry-out Christmas dinner for anyone living in Delaware County. If you are homebound and live within Muncie’s boundaries, then you may be able to get your meal delivered. You need to register for delivery by December 11th.

Elkhart County

The Center in Nappanee hosts an annual Christmas Jubilee event. This event provides free Christmas gifts to children in the county. Eligible children must be age 18 or younger. They must attend Wa-Nee School District as well. You have to register in advance. It appears that registrations are accepted until December 1.

Greene County

Bloomfield First Baptist Church in Bloomfield gives out “White Christmas” Food Boxes every year. These boxes are available on a first-come, first-served basis in December. Supplies are limited.

Hamilton County

Good Samaritan Network in Fishers offers a Christmas help as well. This program provides help with food, toys and clothing. You must register online before December 3, 2023. The distribution event will take place on December 9th at the Hamilton County 4H Fairgrounds. This program also delivers meals on Christmas Eve to people who are elderly, disabled or homebound.

Hancock County

Gods Open Arms in Greenfield provides a Day of Love and Caring every year. At this event, parents can pick out new toys and gently used clothing for their children. A hot meal is also provided. It is open to everyone who needs it. You can find this year’s date on their website.

LOVE Inc. in Greenfield provides Christmas help for children who live in Greenfield Central School District boundaries. Homeschooled and children who are too young for school may also be able to qualify. If your child attends school, contact your school counselor for help. Otherwise, you can call the organization directly before December 6.

Henry County

New Castle Fire Department hosts an annual Shop with a Fireman program for low income families. You need to apply with the fire department in advance.

Huntington County

United with Love in Huntington provides an annual Christmas Gift Shop that offers free gifts to children up to age 18. You must register using the button on their website before the event. The giveaway will take place in early December.

Jennings County

Jennings County Coordinating Council provides Christmas food to those who need it. However, you have to register before the end of October to qualify.

Spark of Kindness Toys is an annual Christmas giveaway program that serves families in the area. You need to register in advance. There are different registration forms for different ages, but you can find them all under the Registrations tab of their website. Children age 18 and under are eligible.

Johnson County

Edinburgh Good Cheer Fund in Edinburgh provides free Christmas baskets to those who live in town. It is not clear what the baskets contain. You must register during one of their application events, which happen in late November.

United Way of Johnson County offers a Christmas Angels program. This program serves over 1,000 children per year with free toys and clothing. In order to receive help, your child must live in Johnson County. School-aged children must apply through their school counselor. Children who are not school age can apply online or through the mail.

Kosciusko County

Combined Community Services in Warsaw has provided free and low-cost toys to low income families for more than 30 years. Their Toy Time program has many different parts: there’s a new toy giveaway and a huge used toy sale. The event takes place in December. It does not appear that you need to register in advance.

Lawrence County

Mitchell Church of Christ in Mitchell provides the Bread of Life Food Pantry. Free food is distributed to low income families, including single parents, seniors, veterans, and those who are working. The food is given away on Mondays and Tuesdays. They also have a winter coat giveaway program.

Marion County

Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center provides a free Christmas help for low income families who live in either Washington or Pike Township. You must bring your documentation and register at the Neighborhood Center. Registrations are due December 9.

Monroe County

Wheeler Mission in Bloomington provides a free Christmas meal. It’s a hot meal in a congregate setting.

Morgan County

Churches in Mission in Martinsville provides free dinner and gifts for low income families in Morgan County. Their Christmas Shop provides gifts and clothing for children age 18 and under.

Newton County

Lake Village Presbyterian Church provides an Angel Tree gift program and food baskets during the Christmas season. This is coordinated through their Family Ministries branch.

Putnam County

Phil the Need in Greencastle has an annual Giving Tree program that provides free Christmas help to children up to 18 years old. You must contact them over the phone or by email to register in advance.

Rush County

Rush Co. Twisted Christmas helps coordinate gifts for low income families in Rush County. The host a variety of fundraisers throughout the year to make this possible. Follow their Facebook page for updates.

Wabash County

Wabash County Christmas Spirit provides free Christmas gifts for low income families in the area. You must meet income limits to qualify. Children must age 17 or under. Any children over age 16 must be attending a Wabash County High School in order to receive gifts. The registration deadline is in October.

Wayne County

Golay Community Center in Cambridge City runs an Angel Tree program every year. This program provides free holiday gifts for children age 14 years and under. You need to register before November 22. Your gifts will be ready for pickup by December 15.

Summary

There’s a lot of Christmas help available in Indiana! Groups like Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army are well-known for giving out toys and food but there are a lot of smaller local charities that do the same thing. Look for your area in our list to find ways that you can get help for your family this holiday season!

Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.

Caroline Baumgartner

Monday 11th of December 2023

I have 2 toddlers in my home. I have been struggling with kidney stones and other related kidney problems. I live in Ripley county, Indiana. I have not worked much and I’m having trouble finding help for my two toddler boys. Please any info is appreciated. Thank you

Catherine Marucci

Monday 11th of December 2023

Hi Caroline. It might be worth calling 211 to see if they know of any lists that are still open in your area.

Catherine Marucci

Monday 4th of December 2023

Hi. If the resources above are not helpful, it may be worth calling 211 to see if there is anything else they can suggest.

Julie Browning

Wednesday 29th of November 2023

Becoming homeless beginning December so no home, no heat, no food, no presents for my family in Wells county Indiana

Catherine Marucci

Friday 17th of November 2023

Hi. If the list above isn't helpful, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything in your area.

Catherine Marucci

Friday 17th of November 2023

Hi. If the list above isn't helpful, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything in your area.