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.
Yamely vazquez
Thursday 16th of December 2021
I nenes toys for my childrens 5 and 7 years old
Sheila Pierson
Monday 9th of December 2019
Yes I'm trying to get gifts for my grandkids there are you're 19 16 13 10 and I was just trying to figure out how can I get gifts for them your mother is struggling she's a single mother she have lupus she's on a fixed income anyway I need help and I'm the grandmother trying to get him for them in Jesus name amen
Riley Thomson
Monday 30th of December 2019
Sheila, Be sure to click on the links within the articles for more information on resources. -Riley
Evelyn Britto
Tuesday 8th of October 2019
This is Evelyn Britto. I need help for this Christmas for me and my family with some clothes and food and shoes too. Is there a way to get it? Please do help.
Riley Thomson
Tuesday 8th of October 2019
Evelyn, Here is a link to our Christmas Help page. Be sure to click on the link to your state and county for more information in your area. If you don't see your area listed, let me know so we can add it to the research list. I hope this helps. -Riley
Christina Mata
Wednesday 24th of October 2018
Hi my name is Christina Mata I am in desperate need of help for an apartment and job, financial assistance i am disabled and a single mom to my 16 year old daughter she has been disabled since 2009. We are homeless with our two dogs. We are Hurricane Harvey Survivors and lost everything thing. It's very hard for me to get back on my feet I need help please please. Thank you God Bless
Riley Thomson
Thursday 25th of October 2018
Christina, I edited your comment to protect your privacy. I'm so sorry to hear about your circumstances. Please follow the link to check for more available resources in your area. Also, you could find more information here on Food Stamps and How to Apply for Food Stamps. I hope this helps. -Riley
Virginia
Saturday 22nd of September 2018
Where can i sign up for Christmas help for my children's.. Ages 17teen 10 years and 4 years old
Chloe Skupnick
Tuesday 25th of September 2018
Hi Virginia,
Check out the resources in the article above. There are a few different organizations that you can choose from. Either visit their website or call their numbers to find out about Christmas help!
-Chloe