Holiday (Christmas) Gifts for Families in Need

For Stark County families in need, the holidays can be a difficult time. Every parent wants to see the smile on their child’s face as they unwrap a present that’s just for them. But for many local families, gift exchanges are simply not financially possible. When money is tight, there is a choice to be made between buying gifts, paying bills and keeping up with everything else. Presents are often first to come off the list.

To help bring some joy to harder times, there are local organizations dedicated to providing assistance during the holiday season. Some offer free toys while others help make holiday shopping more affordable. If you need help purchasing gifts this year, reach out today for support.

Affordable or free holiday and Christmas gifts (note that deadlines to request help vary)

A Community Christmas

Stark County families can receive toys, food vouchers, gift cards, clothing, books and Christmas decorations. Deadline to apply falls in late October each year.
Phone: (330) 454-3841
Fax: (330) 454-1117

Goodwill Industries

Local Goodwill organizations are innovative and sustainable social enterprises that create job training programs, employment placement and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items. The Ken Weber Community Campus has walk-in services available Tuesdays and Thursdays for community resource connections. For further information on what Goodwill has to offer, please call our main campus or visit our website. Thrift Store Locations
  • Alliance 12501 W State St, Alliance, OH 44601 330-821-4880
  • Massillon 2745 Indian River Rd, Massillon, OH 44646 330-833-9825
  • Whipple Ave NW 4379 Whipple Ave NW, Canton, OH 44718 234-360-8564
  • Tuscarawas St W 5139 Tuscarawas St W, Canton, OH 44708 330-479-8222
  • N Main St 1230 N Main St, North Canton, OH 44720 330-494-2464
  • Atlantic Blvd NW 2630 Atlantic Blvd NW, Canton, OH 44705 330-456-8020
Main Campus: (330) 454-9461
Main Campus: (330) 454-9461

Project KARE

Project KARE organizes a back-to-school event each year to provide school supplies for foster families and children in need.
221 3rd St NE
Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 452-4661
Fax: (888) 698-6893

St. Nicholas Returns

Assists children, families, individuals, and organizations in need in Northeast Ohio Counties. Learn more: https://www.psnr.org/
PO Box 36271
Canton, OH 44735-6271
Phone: 330-877-3488

Salvation Army of Alliance

Serving the Alliance community: Hot meal program Food pantries Clothing Shelters Rent assistance Utility assistance Programs for adults and youth
57 West Main St.
Alliance, OH 44601
Phone: (330) 823-5188
Hide HoursShow Hours
Mon.
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Tue.
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Wed.
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Thu.
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Fri.
9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Salvation Army of Canton

Serving the Canton community: Hot meal program Food pantries Clothing Shelters Rent assistance Utility assistance Programs for adults and youth 2023 Christmas Sign-Ups begin October!   The Salvation Army Canton Citadel will take the first 30 Christmas phone applications from 1pm-3pm on the following date: October 4th-6th October 11th-13th October 18th-20th October 25th-27th Please call to apply 330-453-0158  
420 Market Ave. S
Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 453-0158
Hide HoursShow Hours
Mon.
8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Tue.
8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Wed.
8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Thu.
8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Fri.
8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Salvation Army of Massillon

Serving the Massillon community: Hot meal program Food pantries Clothing Shelters Rent assistance Utility assistance Programs for adults and youth
315 6th St. NE
Massillon, OH 44646
Phone: (330) 833-6473
Hide HoursShow Hours
Mon.
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tue.
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wed.
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Thu.
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Fri.
9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Toys for Tots - Stark County

Families in need can request a toy for a Christmas present from Toys for Tots. Learn more on the Canton Toys for Tots website.
Phone: (330) 280-2727