How to Get Help With Christmas Toys for My Kids

Reach out to your community to help put gifts under the tree for your children.

The holidays are a stressful time, especially for people with children. Not only do parents have to worry about all of the normal hustle and bustle and making time for every member of the extended family, but they also have the additional stress of not wanting to dash a child's hopes that Santa will deliver toys on Christmas morning. If you are struggling financially at holiday time, a number of national and community organizations exist to help make sure something special is waiting under the tree for your children.

Things You'll Need

• Proof of income
• ID or Driver's license
• Social security cards

Instructions

1. Ask your community center and local church if they will be assisting families in need this Christmas. Many churches run toy drives for members of their congregation and may include your family. The community center may have a toy drive of its own, and, if not, may know of other local organizations conducting one and how to get in touch with them.

2. Look for toy drives in your area. Toy drives can begin as early as October for Christmas, so keep your eyes peeled for any donation boxes popping up in your community. Grocery stores and schools are common collection sites for donations. Once you have found a toy donation, note the contact information and get in touch with the organizers to find out how your family can be the recipients of some of the toys.

3. Sign your children up with Toys for Tots. Visit the Toys for Tots website (see Resources) to find out your area's sign-up information. The annual campaign begins October 1st, so contact your local distributor after that date to register your children.

4. Register your family with the Salvation Army's Angel Giving Tree at the Salvation Army branch closest to you. Families who wish to be included will be interviewed, must meet federal minimum poverty guidelines and children must be 17 years or younger. Adults over 65 years of age are also eligible to be Angels. Donors select a child from an Angel Tree, located throughout businesses and shopping malls and are then provided with the child's clothing size, age and a need and a wish.

References

• The Salvation Army: Angel Giving Tree
• Harris County Citizen Corps: The Salvation Army Angel Tree

Resources

• Toys for Tots: Request a Toy