Need a little Christmas help? We know firsthand how frustrating it is when you can’t provide your kiddos with a huge holiday celebration. Sometimes, financial stress can make the holidays downright stressful and depressing. You might be able to get help with free Christmas gifts and food in New Jersey.
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Finding help with free Christmas gifts and food in New Jersey doesn’t have to be hard. No matter what part of the state you are in, you could get help from different organizations to help make Christmas an even more special time for you and your kids! These organizations have local branches, but they are available for those qualified throughout the state.
Salvation Army
While the Salvation Army is a great resource you can use year-round, it’s especially helpful at Christmas. Many people who are looking for help with free Christmas food and toys can start with the Salvation Army. Not only are they able to possibly help through their Angel Tree program, but they may also have access to other resources to help you.
Toys for Tots
The Marines’ Toys for Tots is always a huge hit throughout the United States. You might be able to get help through this drive. Spots fill up quickly so make sure that you apply with enough time in advance to help increase your chances of getting on the list. You might be asked to provide information on your child’s gender, their age and things they’re interested in.
Get free Christmas gifts and toys in New Jersey right in your county!
Counties are filled with resources that might be able to help you get access to free Christmas gifts and food in New Jersey. We found resources throughout different counties in New Jersey that you might be able to use to help your kids have a very merry Christmas.
Don’t see your county on the list? Leave a comment below with the name of your county so we can add it to the research list for our writers!
Essex County
Residents of Essex County, including Newark, can get help from several agencies. If you live in that area, then this is the list you need to look at!
Middlesex County
Need free Christmas gifts in Middlesex County, NJ? If you live in New Brunswick, Middlesex, Milltown, or somewhere else in the county, we have found help for you and your family.
Christmas Gifts in Middlesex County, New Jersey
Fish Inc in Middlesex offers multiple programs for low-income families in need living in Middlesex County. Some of the programs they offer include a food bank, clothing, bedding, household items, and blankets. During the holiday season, they offer free Christmas toys and present to children whose parents use one or more of their services.
You must call 732-356-0081 to register and set up an appointment to come and select your items. Unfortunately, no walk-ins are allowed to receive assistance without an appointment. All guests and volunteers must wear a mask if they are going to come into the facility.
Jewish Family Services offers Middlesex families December Holiday Gifts during the holiday season, they offer families in need Holiday Gift Packages filled with toys for children and clothing for the entire family, as well as books, games, and small gifts for the adults. If you have any questions, you can call 732-777-1940.
The Salvation Army in New Brunswick offers their Angel Tree program, where Middlesex residents can get presents on their wish lists from generous donations from Individuals, companies, or organizations.
To register, fill out the online form, or Middlesex residents can call the New Brunswick location at 848-205-0362. If you have any questions, you can can also fill out the online question form on the website.
Toys For Tots in Metuchen uses the holiday season to give back to the community by distributing toys to low-income families throughout Middlesex County. Each registered child receives several new, unopened toys and the potential to receive a new bicycle and helmet.
To receive toys, families must register each of their children with the program by using the request toys link on their website (2022 registration is now closed). During the 2021 Christmas season, 391,719 toys were distributed to 60,971 children.
Christmas Food in Middlesex County, New Jersey
Ebenezer Baptist Church in New Brunswick usually offers a free meal served in their soup kitchen (Unfortunately, the soup kitchen is closed temporarily). Additionally, they offer emergency food assistance to families in need of extra help. This help might include several bags of both perishable and non-perishable food items from their Food Pantry, which is open every Thursday from 10 pm to 12 pm.
Anyone interested in receiving a free meal may visit. No registration or documentation required. If you have any questions or need a home delivery, call either 732-247-2459, or 347-295-6797 for assistance.
Fish Inc offers a food pantry for Middlesex County residents in need of a little extra help. The Food Room is usually open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 am to 12 pm, as well as the 3rd Saturday of every month. During the holiday season, Holiday Meals are given out to Middlesex families who need it. Traditional holiday food in two full bags is given to each family.
All families are served by appointment only, must wear a mask if they are going to go inside the facility. If you want to make an appointment, you can call 732-356-0081 and talk to a volunteer on the hotline.
Jewish Family Services in Milltown invites low-income families in Middlesex County to their Kosher food pantry during the time of need. Families who visit the pantry receive several bags of both perishable and non-perishable food items, like vegetables, beans, soups, fruit, pasta, pancake mix, matzah, peanut butter, and tuna.
Food pick-up is only by appointment, and clients can come twice a month to get food assistance. If you want to register and make an appointment, you can call 732-777-1940.
The Salvation Army in New Brunswick offers both holiday dinner baskets filled with all the ingredients needed to cook a traditional holiday meal, and hot holiday dinners served in-house on holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving.
To register, fill out the online form, or Middlesex residents can call the New Brunswick location at 848-205-0362. If you have any questions, you can can also fill out the online question form on the website.
Passaic County
If you’re in Passaic County and you’re looking for help, you might be able to use these resources we’ve found. These resources can help you if you live in Paterson, Clifton, Passaic, Wayne or other local areas.
Theresa Martinez
Monday 12th of December 2022
Hi I'm a single mother of 5 unfortunately I just got out of jail for not being able to pay motor vehicle tickets unfortunately after the corona academic hit I lost my job as a hospice employer and it's been very hard so I have never been in no car accidents have no DUIs it was just I could not pay the fines for a little tiny stuff throughout the years that added up unfortunately when I was younger now my children are suffering if there is anybody out there that please wants to help I would so greatly appreciate it I'm willing to work or do anything volunteer for my appreciation. I have four sons and one daughter now I have 12 14 and one boy and one girl 16 and 18 I understand for the older ones but please if anybody can help with the little ones I'm located in Ocean township New Jersey and Monmouth county thank you in advance hope to hear from somebody happy holidays.
Catherine Marucci
Tuesday 13th of December 2022
Hi Theresa. If you have already tried the resources listed above, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything else in your local area.
Eva Perry
Tuesday 29th of November 2022
How come there is no Christmas help in Bergen County .I live in Englewood and have 4 kids and can't get help.I can't get to Dover NJ ,and that seems to be the only place .Please help our family ,We would greatly appreciate any help you can offer ...please!!!
Catherine Marucci
Wednesday 30th of November 2022
Hi Eva. It may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything in your area.
Virginia stroby
Tuesday 15th of November 2022
Monmouth county Christmas help
Catherine Marucci
Tuesday 15th of November 2022
Hi Virginia. If the above resources are not helpful in your area, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything in your local area.
Pratibha Singh
Thursday 10th of November 2022
Hello .I live in somerset county.I am looking for help in somerset county NJ.
Catherine Marucci
Friday 11th of November 2022
It may be worth calling 211 to see what is available in your area.
Patricia
Wednesday 2nd of November 2022
Im looking for help with Christmas gift in Sussex county NJ
Catherine Marucci
Wednesday 2nd of November 2022
Hi Patricia. It may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything in your local area.