How to Get Assistance With Christmas for Your Family

If things have been tough this year, or if you or anyone else in your family has been out of work, there are agencies who are available to help those in need for Christmas. It is nothing to be ashamed of, and everybody needs a little bit of help at times. By checking in with your local reps and chambers, you can find the help that you need so that your children can have a Merry Christmas and a great holiday. Read on to learn how.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• proof of income
• proof of social security cards

1. Contact your local Human Services department to see what kinds of assistance is available. Talk to them about your situation and see how you can get help.

2. 

   Do not feel ashamed or afraid of asking for help. Everybody needs a little push forward at times. These programs exist for those who are going through hard times.

3. 

   Speak with your minister or a local church to tell them of your situation. Some churches can lead you to local food pantries, or even help you get assistance for your children for Christmas.

4. Research your local phone book and directories for community action agencies. They can help you find out about coat drives, how to get your children on Christmas angel trees, or getting gift vouchers to help pay for your children's Christmas gifts.

5. Be thankful and breathe a sigh of relief. Again, do not feel afraid for needing assistance. With help from local agencies and churches, you can find a way to get back on your feet again. Your holidays can still be merry even when times may seem the toughest.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have had any income in the past 30 days, some local agencies require proof of it before signing up for programs.
• Be ready to share your personal information such as social security cards, income, addresses, etc. All information is kept confidential, but it is needed to complete some programs.
• Getting assistance can feel like a low point in your life, and perhaps even make you feel somewhat "down on life." Try not to let it get you down. Look at getting help as the first step of getting everything back on track again.

[tmcvay828]

on 12/24/2008 sry for the multi post..
I would wish for all of you and your familys to find the help you need for the holiday. I would wish for a better year for us all next year. And as the night rolls on and NORAD begins to track Santa accross the heavens I wish for the explanation to tell our children in the morning why Santa couldnt make it to our house.
God Bless you all and Happy Holiday
P.S. God Bless you Secret Santa.. we need more people like you!!

[tmcvay828]

on 12/24/2008 My name is Tim and I have 4 children.. We have had a rough past couple years.. We lost one of our twin sons to TTS 2 years ago, found out that our surviving son has autism, and I lost my job because of the economy 3 mths ago.. It is Christmas Eve and I was hoping to find a glimmer of hope for my family because we did set up christmas assistance and I guess it ran out before it reached us. Now it is too late for us to try to get help elsewhere. I was really upset before i started reading the other posts and realized that we are not the only ones in this position.. Now im not looking for assistance anymore.. im looking for a miricle for all of the familys, like ours, that can not provide gifts for their children this year... If wishes were like dreams and we could all have one i would wish for you all the best of holidays, as we can greatful for the familys that we do have.. I would wish f

[tmcvay828]

on 12/24/2008 My name is Tim and I have 4 children.. We have had a rough past couple years.. We lost one of our twin sons to TTS 2 years ago, found out that our surviving son has autism, and I lost my job because of the economy 3 mths ago.. It is Christmas Eve and I was hoping to find a glimmer of hope for my family because we did set up christmas assistance and I guess it ran out before it reached us. Now it is too late for us to try to get help elsewhere. I was really upset before i started reading the other posts and realized that we are not the only ones in this position.. Now im not looking for assistance anymore.. im looking for a miricle for all of the familys, like ours, that can not provide gifts for their children this year... If wishes were like dreams and we could all have one i would wish for you all the best of holidays, as we can greatful for the familys that we do have.. I would wish f

[anaalvarado]

on 12/19/2008 mother of 3 going through a devorce, lost my job getting evicted and no elictricity in my home and my 3 small children wont have a chrismas this year anyone can help please email me at [e-mail]

[chastityallen]

on 12/19/2008 I have 2 beautiful daughters, age 14 & 10. Due to a series of unfortunate events, we are unable to provide for them this year. My husband has been laid off from his electrician job & unable to find work for several months. I recently had to resign from my job for health reasons. I have been begging for help from local agencies via United Way referrals and some referrals from the girls' school guidance counselors. They were all deadends as every has ran out of money,etc. I don't know what to do. They have been good girls and deserve better. I have been very depressed about this as Christmas Day draws nearer. Any ideas???? If so, please email me [e-mail]. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!