2023 Holiday Resources For Food Service Workers

Be An Elf — is a nonprofit organization that partners with USPS Operation Santa to give gifts to families experiencing financial hardship during the holidays. You can write a letter as a family and explain why you need financial assistance this year. You can also have your children write their letters and what they want to receive on Christmas. While there is no promise or guarantee of receiving assistance through this program, it increases yours chances.

To keep the magic, address the letter to:
Santa Claus
123 Elf Road
North Pole 88888

Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program — This program is available at most Salvation Army locations nationwide and assists families in providing gifts to their children who would otherwise go without. To learn more about the Angel Tree program and The Salvation Army’s holiday programming, visit their website and enter your zip code to find the location nearest you. As a note, these programs tend to begin in October – the sooner you can apply, the more likely you are able to participate!

Toys for Tots — To apply for assistance from free Toy program near you, the household needs to have a child under the age of 13. In addition, each parent that is requesting a Christmas gift from the free Toys for Tots program will need to bring Social Security cards for each child that is part of their application, a picture identification as well as bring proof of residency in that town. The application start date will vary by local town or city, but it is often in September or October. If and when approved, usually a voucher or ticket is given to the parent, and they will need to redeem it at a Toy for Tots distribution site in their community. This voucher or ticket will allow the parent to collect free Christmas toys for their kids. They need to do this before all relevant deadlines have been crossed, as Toys for Tots is time sensitive.

Bianca’s Kids — Bianca’s Kids grants wishes to children who are struggling due to mental, physical, emotional or financial issues and who are 18 years of age or younger. A wish recipient DOES NOT have to be a foster child. Before submitting your wish, please be aware that you are certifying that all of the information you are providing Bianca’s Kids is true. Also, if you are not a family member of the wish recipient, it is important to gain permission from a parent or guardian of the child before you submit a wish on their behalf as all photos/information submitted to Bianca’s Kids from your wish will be made public if your wish is chosen to be granted.

ICNA Relief — ICNA relief offers a variety of services year-round for families in need, and every year typically hosts a warm clothing drive. Programming varies depending on location, so get started by visiting their website, selecting your state, and exploring what programming is available to you. Additionally, their programs and events are shared widely through social media flyers and text shares, so consider giving them a follow on Facebook, Instagram, or X.

In Atlanta, warming centers are typically announced in December unless inclement weather demands otherwise. The best way to locate warming centers or shelters is to Google search for “Atlanta Warming Centers.” The City of Atlanta website will typically announce a few recreation centers that will serve as warming centers and their hours. Partners for Home is typically a reliable source of information regarding shelters offered through other nonprofit organizations or shelters in the Metro Atlanta area – you can check their Facebook for most up to date information on warming centers and hours of operation. Lastly, most local news stations will release articles with information on warming center locations, operations, and intake as freezing weather approaches.