The holiday season is a time of love, belonging, and generosity. But hard times can make it tough for families to provide the traditions that make it special. They may need to choose between paying the bills and giving gifts, or the lack of a support system can make it too difficult to prepare or share a hot meal.
As the holiday season approaches, struggling families can get help with gifts and other assistance. Learn where to turn to for free gifts, gift assistance, help with meals and more.
Help with Gifts
A Community Christmas
A Community Christmas (ACC) is a long-standing organization that aims to provide meaningful Christmas support to area families during the holiday season. For 2022, ACC will offer their annual Adopt-a-Family program and Christmas Giving Center.
The Adopt-a-Family program provides toys, clothing, shoes and gift cards to needy area families looking for help during the holiday season.
To request support for your family via Adopt-a-Family or the Christmas Giving Center, all applications can be completed here. There are no in-person interviews.
Contact: (330) 454-3841.
Send applications to the following address: (Applications must arrive, not be postmarked by, Nov. 4, 2022.)
A Community Christmas
PO Box 20050
Canton, OH 44701
In-person application drop offs will be held Wednesday, Nov. 2 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday, Nov 3 and Friday, Nov 4 from 9 a.m. to noon. Application drop offs will be conducted in the back parking lot at the American Legion Canton Post 44, 1633 Cleveland Ave NW in Canton.
Toys for Tots
This not-for-profit organization matches new, unwrapped toys with children in Stark County. You can apply to receive a toy from Toys for Tots, and learn more here.
To apply: Visit Stark County Toys for Tots to fill out the application. Toys for Tots specifies that you must apply to only one agency to receive this support.
Other assistance
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provides meals, gifts, and winter gear for children and families during the holiday season. Contact the Northeast Ohio Division to be connected with holiday help for your family, or use fill out online applications here.
Stark County Food Resources
The Stark County Hunger Task Force is another source of food for area families via its emergency food pantry.
United Way
The United Way offers emergency assistance and other help that can provide families with much-needed support during the holiday season.
The Stark County Homeless Hotline
For families who find themselves unhoused during the Christmas season, get help by calling the Homeless Hotline at (330) 452-4363
Crisis hotline
If you or a loved one are in crisis, call the Stark County Crisis Hotline at 330-452-6000.
