Christmas Help for Low Income Families in Ohio
Low-income residents of Ohio may find that they have no money left over after paying the monthly bills. This makes celebrating Christmas with gifts and a fancy dinner almost impossible. Fortunately, there are a few places these families can turn for help. Several organizations are set up to provide families in need with Christmas presents for their children, and food for a nice Christmas dinner.
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FreeStore Foodbank
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Call the FreeStore Foodbank at 513-241-1064 to set up a time to apply for a Christmas food package. You will need to supply the FreeStore Foodbank with proof of identity, proof that you live in Ohio and proof of income. If you are approved, you can pick-up your food package at 112 East Liberty St. in Cincinnati. Families receive a box of groceries and a chicken or turkey depending on the family size.
SELF's Holiday Adopt-a-Family Program
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Low-income families can receive help during the Christmas holiday from SELF, an organization in Butler County. Families can qualify if they are below the 200 percent federal poverty level. Applications can be made by calling 513-868-9300. SELF matches those who qualify with a donor who purchases gifts for individuals in the home, as well as a gift card to obtain groceries for a Christmas meal. Donors remain anonymous. SELF arranges to have presents delivered to your front door.
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Valley Interfaith Food and Clothing Center
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Valley Interfaith Food and Clothing Center serves 13 counties across the state of Ohio. They provide low-income families with toys, food and clothing during the Christmas holiday. Applicants apply by either emailing Valley Interfaith Food and Clothing Center at info@vifcc.org, or by calling 513-821-3233. Once accepted, VIFCC gathers information on the toys the applicant's children want as well as their clothing sizes. The program works by placing this information anonymously on Christmas Wish trees throughout several churches. Members of the churches choose the presents they want to buy and turn them in to VIFCC. Donor gifts are delivered to applicants before Christmas Day.
Toys for Tots
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Toys for Tots distributes toys for children whose parents cannot afford to buy them. This organization is available in all 50 states. Applicants apply through the Toys for Tots coordinator for the county in which they live. The Toys for Tot's website (see Resources) and has a county coordinator locator for families who are unsure of who to call. The Toys for Tots coordinator takes down all of the applicant's information, chooses the toys and delivers the toys before Christmas.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit christmas-tree and christmas gifts image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
