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Has life thrown a curve ball your way that leaves you wondering where your next meal will be? Maybe you’re someone that just lost their job. Is it bad enough that you’re wondering how you will get your child a Christmas gift this year? If these sounds like your family and you live in the Harris County, TX area, below are some resources that can help you through the rough times.
We wrote about Pasadena before we started processing this series by county. For Pasadena resources, please click here.
Need Christmas help elsewhere? Click here!
Get FREE Christmas gifts in Houston & Harris County, Texas!
Angel Tree Program program offers Christmas gifts to children who come from a low-income family. Social workers, schools, agencies help to provide the Salvation Army with children’s names who are eligible for this program. However, anyone can sign up but time is limited.
Catholic Charities provides a food pantry, Christmas help and many other programs.
Goodfellows is a partnership with the Houston Chronicle and the Texas Department of Human Health and Services, they provide Christmas gifts for eligible children up to age 10. They do not appear to have a website at this time.
Houston Chronicle has a program serving needy families in Harris County, including Christmas gifts and clothing. First come, first served.
Houston Children’s Charity has three Christmas programs. They do a Christmas party, a toy distribution and an Adopt a Family program. They also have a variety of other programs for needy families, including clothing distribution, providing beds for children and vehicles for families with a disabled, wheelchair-bound child.
Houston Fire Department Holiday Outreach Program provides up to 3 toys for qualifying needy children. Proof of residence is required to register for the program. It is run in partnership with New Life Christian church.
My Brother’s Keeper Outreach Center has a Thanksgiving Meal Program for needy families. They provide the means for families to cook their own holiday meal at home. Their annual Children’s Christmas Social provides Chistmas gifts for children from one to twelve years old.
Operation Stocking Stuffer distributes Christmas gifts to the community in December. There is no registration required just show up on the distribution date. Due to the high demand, the program is on a first come first serve basis. So, the earlier you go, the higher your chance is to receive your child’s stocking stuffer.
Salvation Army provides free Christmas gifts for needy children and seniors. You must register for the Angel Tree in advance. They also host hot meals, open to the public, for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Historically, excellent restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory have helped prepare and cook some of the holiday meals, serving hundreds of needy locals in Pasadena. Salvation Army locations typically also serve as food pantries. There is also a location in Pasadena.
Toys for Tots program is for children. To be eligible for the Toys for Tot program you must fall within their income guidelines. To place your child on the programs list contact your local Salvation Army. The individuals who are running the program will let you know if your family is eligible and give you a pickup date for your child’s Christmas gift.
Enjoy FREE Christmas events in Houston & Harris County!
There are so many fun things you can do in Houston and Harris County at Christmas time! Check out these awesome lists from Houston the Cheap and Mommy Poppins!
Get FREE Christmas food in Houston & Harris County, TX!
Annual Christmas Eve Big Feast is held at George R. Brown Convention Center. Their annual Christmas Eve dinner is on December 24th for the Texas public. Everyone is welcome including last-minute walk-ins, and it’s free.
Day Center provides daily hot meals and other personal needs for those individuals who are homeless.
Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen gives a free lunch daily except for Mondays. They also provide holiday meals, references, and other resources. There no eligibility restrictions and walk-ins are welcome.
Lord of the Streets Episcopal Church offers community assistance to those in need. They serve a hot lunch meal every Monday. For those who attend their bible study Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday will receive a packed lunch. There is also information provided for other resources.
