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.

[midwestmomof4]

on 11/13/2009 if there is any one that can tell me of an agency to help single parents to cope with the stress that comes along with single parenting and most of all just a family to spend christmas with for my 22 month old son Ethan &me please write to me at [e-mail]

[tammy100]

on 11/6/2009 I am a mother to a 4 year old son and a 8 year old daughter. My husband just became disable 6mo ago and was just turned down for Social Security. My children did'nt have a christmas last year because I was laid off 2 weeks after Christmas and my husband was laid off 1 week after Thanksgiving. I then went to nursing school and graduated a few months ago but now I don't have $595 to take the Boards to get my nursing license. If anybody can help or can direct me in the right place we would greatly appreciate it. My e-mail is [e-mail]

[shellvictor]

on 11/3/2009 My name is Mishelle. I am a single mother of four 18, 17, 16, and 12. I had a stroke the summer of 2007 and since then I have not been able to work. I am supporting my kids and myself from a fixed income from Social Security. Before the stroke we lived in Dallas and I had a wonderful job but was not able to keep working due to the stroke. I am thankful that I did recovery physically. The last year and half I have barely been able to keep decent clothes with keeping up with rent and other bills. Our car we has stopped working and now its even hard to go to the store for food. I have to wait on someone else to take me. It is just real hard under the current circumstances and any help would be appreciated by us all.

[ctbraun99]

on 10/28/2009 My name is Chris and i have two beautiful boys aged 8 yrs and 2 yrs. My husband has been unemployed for a yr and his unemployment just ran out. I missed the deadline to apply for Christmas assistance because i got h1n1 virus and pneumonia. I have failed my children and was wondering if there is anyone who could help me provide Christmas for my family. I will be glad to work for any help, my husband too. We live in western north carolina. If anyone has any ideas, please email me at [e-mail]. thank you

[tetecn2]

on 10/28/2009 Hello, my name is Theresa I am a single mother of three wonderful children ages, 1, 2, and 8. I have been unemployed for almost a year and still not able to find a job. I receive no child support due to there father not working either. So I constantly have to rely on my mother to help me out. I would love for my children to have a christmas. I have tryed lots of agenencies, organizations and everthing is filling up so quickly. So please if anyone knows any other places that I have missed or anyone one at all willing to give a helping hand please please email me at [e-mail] may god bless you all!