Christmas can be difficult for Illinois families, especially when they can’t afford Christmas gifts or a special Christmas dinner for their families. 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.
Fortunately, we’ve found help! There are agencies all around Illinois that are dedicated to helping low income families (and especially children) have a blessed and enjoyable holiday season.
Get free Christmas gifts and food in Illinois!
No matter where in Illinois you’re located, these agencies may be able to help. They serve most of the United States.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is famous for their holiday bell-ringers who gather donations. In addition to these fundraising efforts, they also save Christmas for low income families across the country by providing free gifts and food. In order to get help from the Salvation Army, visit their website to find your local chapter.
Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots is another famous Christmas campaign that distributes toys to children who need them. In order to receive help from the Marines Toys for Tots drive, you’ll need to visit their official website.
Get free Christmas gifts and food in your local Illinois community!
There are many people and organizations working to save Christmas for local families. These agencies operate on a local level and can only be found by investigating what exists in your local community. We’re doing that research for you, one Illinois county at a time!
If you don’t see your county on this list, please leave a comment and let me know. This series is written entirely by reader request so we don’t start working on a new area until we receive a request for it.
Cook County
There are many Churches and other charitable organizations that are working to save Christmas in Chicago and throughout Cook County, Illinois! If you need a little help this holiday season, here’s a list of places that can help you.
Dekalb County
Whether you live in the city of Dekalb, Sycamore, Sandwich or elsewhere in the county, we’ve done a lot of searching to find help for your family this holiday season! Here’s our list of Dekalb County resources.
DuPage County
DuPage County includes Aurora, Naperville, Boilingbrook, Wheaton, Downers Grove and other cities. If you live in this county and you’ve ever wondered what kind of help is available for your family during the holidays, then this is the list you’ve been looking for.
LaSalle County
Residents of Ottawa, Streator, Peru, LaSalle and other LaSalle County cities have reason to rejoice this holiday season! We’ve found a lot of help in your area. We’ve found agencies that will help you get free Christmas gifts, food as well as clothing, shoes and more! Find out how your family can get help here.
Ogle County
If you live in Ogle County and you need help this holiday season, we’ve found several agencies that can provide assistance to your family. Ogle County families can click here to see what’s available.
Peoria County (Peoria only)
In the early days of this site, we used to research resources city-by-city. Of course, that quickly became complicated and out-of-control due to overlapping resources and the amount of time it takes to investigate each individual city. That’s why we now conduct our research by county instead.
That’s why we have an article about Peoria the city and not yet one about Peoria the county. We have not yet had any additional requests for information in this area, so if you’d like more information about other areas in Peoria County please let me know. In the meantime, this is what we’ve found so far.
Sangamon County
Sangamon County is served by over a dozen agencies. Whether you live in Springfield, Chatham, Auburn, Sherman or another city in the county, here’s the list of agencies that serve your area.
Union County
Union County residents, including those who live in Anna and Jonesboro, may be able to receive assistance from several different programs. Here’s a full list of what we found in Union County.
You don’t have Macon County on your list. Can I still do this through Sangamon county? I used to live there until we moved to Decatur a year ago. Thank you!
Hi, Lisa! Some of the agencies in Sangamon County may be able to help you. It depends on what their qualification requirements are. I’ve added Macon County to our research list and we’ll get that information for you as soon as we can. 🙂
Massac county Illinois is not listed yet
Carlina,
I’m managing comments for Nicole today. I went ahead and put this on our research list. Thanks for reaching out.
-Riley
Hello, you don’t have St. Clair County on your list.
Fayette County
Thanks, Lola! I’ve added that to our research list. 🙂
St. Clair Co. Illinois
Champaign county
Hello Amber!
I see that Champaign County is on our list to research! It should be coming soon 🙂
-Chloe
Hello
I am a single mom of a 9 yr old. I have been out of work since July due to my neuropathy from diabetes. The doctor has me out until 12/31/18 then gonna get reevaluated to see if I will be out of work permanently. I have never been out of work even worked 2 jobs most of the time. But I am struggling at the moment and could use whatever help possible. My baby does so much to help me she deserve a good Christmas.
Hi Gloria,
If you scroll to the bottom of the article, you should be able to check and see if your county is there. If not, let me know in a comment what county you’re in!
Here are some articles that we have with resources we’ve found in Illinois:
https://lowincomerelief.com/category/illinois/
-Chloe
Lawrence county.
Hi Leia,
I just added that to our research list.
Here is some information on our national resources for Christmas help:
https://lowincomerelief.com/need-christmas-help-get-free-toys-food/
-Chloe
I don’t see Massac up there
Hi Annie,
I just added Champaign County to our research list! 🙂
Here is our national article on Christmas Help:
https://lowincomerelief.com/need-christmas-help-get-free-toys-food/
-Chloe
Is there anything in Madison county? It wasn’t on the list.
Hi Terrie! I just added Madison County to our research list. Here are some more resources in Illinois that might be able to help you:
https://lowincomerelief.com/illinois/
-Chloe
I don’ see Boone County, Illinois. For the city of Belvidere.
Hello!
I added Boone County to our research list. You might be able to find some help using our national article here:
https://lowincomerelief.com/need-christmas-help-get-free-toys-food/
-Chloe
Franklin county?
Hi Amber!
I just added that to our research list! 🙂
Meanwhile, you could check here where you might find some helpful resources:
https://lowincomerelief.com/need-christmas-help-get-free-toys-food/
-Chloe
M Henry Coy
Hi Tara,
I’m not sure if you meant to tag someone, but that’s not possible on the website. You can email them, message or text them the copy of this page too or visit us on our Facebook page to tag them:
https://facebook.com/lowincomerelief/
-Chloe
Kendall county or Will county
Hi Erika,
I added those to our research list. Meanwhile, the resources we have in our national article might be able to help you:
https://lowincomerelief.com/need-christmas-help-get-free-toys-food/
-Chloe
Mercer warren and Knox County I’m in the middle of all 3 with a 12 16 and 18yr old
Trisha,
I went ahead and added all 3 of those counties to our research list. We should have an update for you soon. Thanks!
Hello,
I didn’t see Williamson county up there yet, I have 3 boys who are 14 14 & 9 years old. I have to say it’s a relief to find your article, southern Illinois has very little resources for poor families. Thank you for taking the time to create this helpful link, it’s appreciated.
Chelsea,
I’ve added this to our research list. Thanks!
-Riley
Can you add Coles County please?
Kathy,
I added this to the research list. Thanks!
-Riley
Madison county please!!!!
Missie,
Madison county is on our research list. Thanks.
-Riley
I’m not seeing Coles county on the list. I can’t seem to find any help. I have 2 beautiful children and their father is a veteran and we can’t seem to get any kind of assistance.
Scarlett,
Coles County is currently on our research list. Please check for updates. Thanks!
-Riley
i live in alpha in henry country il needed help with Christmas help and couldnt find henry countru il on the list thank you
Morgan,
I added this to our research list just now. Thanks.
-Riley
I live in lake county il in need of Christmas help for my 16 grand children I’m disabled with many health issues but I tried to pic up a job for christmas to buy for grandchildren.after the 3rd day of work I got very sick and had no choice but to quit.im still under doctor’s care just had month surgery and I have nothing to give my grandchildren my income is only 713 a month.can you please help me Dec13th 2018
Marla,
I am sorry for all you are going through. Unfortunately, we haven’t found any resources that help with grandparent gifts. However, here are some ideas for inexpensive DIY gift ideas. I hope this helps.
-Riley
Lake County,Illinois?
Donna,
I added this to our research list. Thanks.
-Riley