Holidays are a special time of year, but they can also lead to stress on families. Many families struggle with financial burdens making it hard to provide gifts, meals, and winter necessities for their loved ones. Below are some resources that have been gathered with the hopes of alleviating some of this pressure. Everyone could use a little help and some hope during the holiday season!
San Antonio
Blue Santa
The San Antonio Police Department’s yearly program, “Blue Santa” serves thousands of families in need by providing gifts for children ages 0-12, ensuring that every child has something new to unwrap for Christmas. Applications are available on their website now through December 10th and require a CPS or Water bill, as well as a copy of each child’s birth certificate.
Christmas Feast of Sharing
Feast of Sharing is a free dinner event hosted by H-E-B to provide holiday meals for families in need and to thank loyal customers. The dinner will be held at the Henry B Gonzalez Convention Center on Thursday, December 22 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and includes meals for everyone, music, family activities, a variety of free services (health screenings, vaccinations, etc.), and more!
Austin
Central Texas Food Bank
The Central Texas Food Bank has various programs to ensure low-income families receive the food they need. Their Mobile Food Pantry is incredibly helpful during the holiday season as they serve clients by taking food items directly to their homes. You can find the calendar for when they will be in your area here. You can also set up an appointment to go grab groceries at the most convenient time and location for you.
The Junior League of Austin
Every year the Junior League of Austin holds their “Coats for Kids Distribution,” a program that collects coats, or monetary donations for new coats from the community and distributes them to families in need during the colder months. Donations will be accepted at The Junior League of Austin’s Community Impact Center from December 1 – December 10!
Corpus Christi
Christmas Feast of Sharing
Feast of Sharing is a free dinner event hosted by H-E-B to provide holiday meals for families in need and to thank loyal customers. The dinner will be held at the American Bank Convention Center on Friday, December 23 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and includes meals for everyone, music, family activities, a variety of free services (health screenings, vaccinations, etc.), and more!
Nueces County Community Action Agency
With a passion for the community, improving lives and spreading hope, Nueces County Community Action Agency helps to serve economically disadvantaged families in many ways. A few resources they provide include case management, tuition assistance, affordable housing, utility assistance and more. Registration is held at their Service Centers located throughout Nueces County!
Dallas-Fort Worth
North East Emergency Distribution (N.E.E.D)
This non-profit organization extends a hand to those in need by supplying urgent, short-term assistance of food, clothing, TXU payments, and bus vouchers. As a faith-based organization, N.E.E.D. is supported through churches, businesses, grants, and the community all uniting in the belief that by helping others, miracles can happen. With their flexible guidelines, no application process is necessary!
Community Action Partners
In the effort to make the community a better place and change people’s lives, the City of Fort Worth’s Community Action Partners (CAP) offers several different services that can be especially helpful during the holiday season. Some of these include assistance with utilities, rent, mortgage, tuition, veteran services, and more. More information about their various programs and how to apply is posted on their website!
