The holidays can be a stressful time for anyone, but especially for those Florida households barely meeting their basic needs. Luckily, there are variety of nonprofit organizations and program offering Free Christmas Assistance Programs in Florida for the 2023 holiday season.
To help, we’ve compiled a list of organizations and programs offering free Christmas gifts, toys, live trees, decorations, and holiday meals to low-income Florida households.
If you are in need and unable to provide your children with gifts this 2023 holiday season, there is help available to you. Continue reading to check our complete list of Free Christmas Assistance Programs in Florida for 2023.
Free Christmas Assistance Programs in Florida (2023 Guide)
If you and your family are struggling to meet your basic needs this holiday season, you may qualify for free Christmas toys and food in Florida.
To qualify for one of the free Christmas Assistance Programs in Florida, you must be a low-income Florida resident. In addition, you must each organizations or programs requirements.
For a list of all the Free Christmas Assistance in Florida for the 2023 holiday season, including registration and contact information, then continue reading below.
Free Christmas Gifts in Florida for 2023
Below is a list of organizations offering Free Christmas Gifts for low income families in Florida for the 2023 holiday season.
Toys for Kids Foundation
The Toys for Kids Foundation in Panama City Beach, Florida is helping as many local families as possible by providing them with free toys for Christmas. If you live in Bay County, have children, and need assistance with Christmas, they encourage you to apply for their Christmas program.
You must submit an application in order to receive free toys. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee you will receive free toys.
To submit an application for Free Christmas Assistance, please click here to visit their website.
Harvest Time’s Christmas Bag of Joy
Harvest Time International hosts their annual Christmas Bag of Joy event that provides free toys to over 4,000 children in need. Since 1998, they’ve have partnered with local businesses, churches, and volunteers to provide more than 1 million brand new toys for children in the community.
Florida families that are in need of Christmas assistance are encouraged to contact their Client Services office by calling 407-878-5531.
To learn more, visit their website here.
Mothers Against Murderers Toy Drive
The Mothers Against Murderers Foundation hosts their annual Christmas Toy Drive for in-need Palm Beach families this 2023 holiday season.
You must register in order to receive free Christmas toys through the organization.
Complete your registration online here.
Talented Teen Club Free Christmas Gifts for Teens
The Talented Teen Club (TTC) is helping less fortunate teenagers throughout South Florida experience the joy of Christmas by giving away free gifts.
The Christmas Gifts for Teens in Palm Beach County receives gifts from Talented Teen Club Spirit of Giving’s Holiday Gift Drive, Gift, clean culture, families and friends for middle and high school students.
For event information and how to register, see the details below:
Event Date & Time
Saturday, December 16, 2023
11:30AM – 2:30PM
Event Location
305 Swain Boulevard
Greenacres, FL 33463
Event Registration
To register, visit their Eventbrite page to register for Christmas assistance.
For more information, please visit their website.
Operation Hope Christmas Toy Giveaway
Operation Hope hosts their annual Christmas celebration with Santa giving toys to kids and a variety of family activities.
This year’s Christmas Toy Giveaway will include children age 1 to 10 years old.
Event Date & Time
December 2023 – Date Coming Soon
Event Location
TBA
Event Registration
TBA
For more information, please call them at (772) 571-0003 or visit their website here.
WPSL Christmas Kids Toy Program
WPSL Christmas Kids provides funding for toys during the holiday season to children in need living in St. Lucie County, Florida.
To qualify for their free Christmas toy program, you must live in St. Lucie County and have children age 12 or younger.
Community Services will notify approved applicants via email the date, time and location for toy pick-up.
For more information, please contact them by email at christmaskids@wpsl.com or by calling 772-340-1590.
YCMA Neighbor to Neighbor Christmas Program
The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg is teaming up with the community to bring the spirit of Christmas to nearly 400 families and more than 900 children. For 33 years, their program has provided families in need with the joys of Christmas.
Families receive a free live Christmas tree, ornaments, holiday dinner, books and toys – as well as complimentary programs and services throughout the year, including:
- A free full season of youth sports or aquatics
- Parents receive free participation in healthy living & financial literacy workshops
- Families receive invitations to all YMCA family fun events
For event details and information on how to register, use the details below:
Event Dates
The 2023 Christmas Program will be held on the following dates:
Free Christmas Tree Delivery Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Free Christmas Toy Pick-up: Tuesday, December 12th & Thursday, December 14th, 2023
Event Registration
To register for the 32nd Annual Neighbor to Neighbor Christmas Program please contact the YMCA of St. Petersburg by completing the Contact Form on their website here.
Christmas Toy Project Shop Giveaway
The Christmas Toy Shop Project, Inc. is a non-profit, all volunteer organization with the goal of providing both new and refurbished toys during the holidays to less fortunate children in Pinellas County.
During the holiday season, they invite children of low-income families to take part in their annual Christmas Toy Giveaway.
You must pre-register to receive a Free Christmas Gift.
For registration information, use the information provided below:
Event Registration Dates & Location
Registration for the 2023 Free Christmas Toy Shop Program will take place on the following dates:
- Thursday, November 2nd
- Friday, November 3rd
- Saturday, November 4th
- Thursday, November 9th
- Friday, November 10th
- Saturday, November 11th
The registration will take place from 9:00AM to 2:30PM on the dates listed above.
Registration must be completed in-person at the following address:
- Parent/Guardian driver’s license or photo ID
- Parent/Guardian Social Security Card or legal document with number included
- Public assistance (i.e. food stamps, Medicaid, WIC or SSI)
- Proof of Pinellas County residency
- Proof of Child or Children’s age (i.e. birth certificate or immunization records)
Williams Education Christmas Toy Giveaway
Williams Education Inc. is hosting their 6th annual Christmas Toy Giveaway for the 2023 holiday season.
Come out for a fun-filled, family event where children will get a free toy to celebrate the holidays!
Due to a high demand, the limit is two children per household.
Children must be present to collect their toys.
Only one submission per family will be accepted.
Event Date & Time
Saturday, December 16, 2023
1:00pm – 4:00pm
Event Location
River Run Park
9400 Miramar Boulevard
Miramar, FL 33025
Event Registration
Click the link below to complete the Toy Request Form.
The deadline to submit your request is Friday, October 27, 2023.
“Oh What Fun” Christmas Toy Giveaway
The Institute of Wholistic Empowerment (IWE) is hosting their annual Christmas Toy Giveaway for the 2023 holiday season!
This is a free event that’s perfect for your children and will have them rockin’ around the Christmas tree all afternoon long.
Music, snacks, and FREE toys for each child ages 4 to 13.
All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian 18 years+ and be present to receive a toy.
Event Date & Time
Saturday, December 9, 2023
1:30pm – 4:30pm
Event Location
North Dade Regional Library
2455 Northwest 183rd Street
Miami Gardens, FL 33056
Event Registration
Catholic Charities of Central Florida
The Catholic Charities of Central Florida offers an Adopt-A-Family program for less fortunate families throughout Orange County and Central Florida.
Families who qualify for the program will create a list of items they want and the list goes to community members who help give them a brighter Christmas.
Families can request toys, clothing, food, holiday dinners, and gift certificates. All items will be received a few days before Christmas.
For more information on how to participate, please contact Catholic Charities of Central Florida on their website or by calling (407) 658-1818.
2023 Happy Holiday Free Toy Giveaway
Vice Mayor Alexandra P. Davis presents the 2023 Happy Holiday Toy Giveaway.
Miramar residents can pick-up a FREE gift for your school aged children ages 0-12 years old.
Max 3 per household. Must have an ID and child present at toy pick-up.
RSVP REQUIRED! Please answer all questions when checking out.
Failure to answer all questions prior to checkout will result in an order cancellation.
Event Date & Time
Thursday, December 14, 2023
3:00pm – 5:00pm
Event Location
Miramar Town Center
2300 Civic Center Place
Miramar, FL 33025
Event Registration
Adopt-a-Child for Christmas Program
Adopt-A-Child is a non-profit organization serving families in need during the Christmas season. This year, the organization plans to distribute more than 900 children in Central Lake County Florida with Christmas presents.
To participate in the Adopt-A-Child for Christmas Program you must live in Central Lake County Florida and be experiencing financial hardship.
If you are outside of their service area, please contact your local church to see if there is help available for Christmas.
To find out how to participate, please contact them via their website.
Christmas Connection Holiday Program
The Christmas Connection is bringing the Christmas Spirit to those who need it most.
In 2023, they are celebrating their 43rd year of helping families fulfill their basic needs and holiday wishes.
This year, they are helping over 500 families in the Big Bend area during the 2023 holiday season!
All religions, races, and ethnic backgrounds are reflected in the families which are referred to them from 30 different local service agencies.
Currently, they serve families in Leon, Gadsden, Wakulla, Madison, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties.
For more information, click here to visit their website.
Cops for Kids Christmas Assistance – Cops for Kids Toy Giveaway
The Lakeland Police Department is hosting their annual Cops for Kids program for the 2023 holiday season.
The Cops for Kids Toy Donation Program distributes Christmas gifts to children in Lakeland County, Florida.
You must pre-register in order to receive free Christmas toys through the program.
For information on how to register, get the details below:
Registration Information
Families needing assistance must register at one of the following locations and dates between the hours of 9AM and 4PM or 6PM and 8PM.
2023 Registration Locations & Dates:
- Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 9am to 4pm & 6pm to 8pm – Simpson Park Complex, 1725 MLK Jr. Ave.
- Friday, November 3, 2023 from 9am to 4pm – Coleman Bush Building, 1104 MLK Jr. Ave.
- Monday, November 6, 2023 from 9am to 4pm & 6pm to 8pm – Lakeland Police Department, 219 N. Massachusetts Ave.
- Tuesday, November 7, 2023 from 9am to 4pm & 6pm to 8pm – Lakeland Police Department, 219 N. Massachusetts Ave.
Families are required to provide the following items at the time of registration:
- Current Lakeland Electric Utility Bill (Must have Lakeland Address)
- Government-issued Photo ID
- Original Birth Certificate for Each Child (Children 12 and under are eligible)
Registration does not guarantee acceptance, and applicants must not have received assistance from the program for the past two years (2020 or 2021).
For additional information, please call 863-834-6912.
Free Christmas Toys in Florida for Low Income Families for 2023
If you are struggling purchase Christmas gifts for your children this holiday season, there are several national nonprofit organizations that offer Christmas assistance.
Check out our complete list of national organizations offering help with free toys and gifts this 2023 holiday season below.
Salvation Army Angel Tree Program
The Salvation Army may be one of the most-popular organizations for holiday assistance. That’s because they provide a variety of services to those in need during the holiday season.
This year, Walmart and the Salvation Army are teaming up again for the The Angel Tree program. The program provides new clothing and toys to more than one-million children and families in local communities each year.
Once a child is accepted for the Angel Tree Program, donors can shop from the family’s Christmas wish list. Once the gifts are received, The Salvation Army will distribute them to the family just in time for Christmas morning.
If your family would like to apply for Angel Tree assistance for Christmas 2023, you will need to contact your local Salvation Army.
Submit your 2023 Angel Tree Application here.
Click here to find a local Salvation Army near you.
The Salvation Army of West Polk serves Bartow, Bradley, Fort Meade, Highland City, Kathleen, Lakeland, Mulberry and Polk City.
Toys for Tots
Since 1947, the Marine Toys for Tots has been bringing the joy and hope of Christmas to America’s less fortunate children. In Florida, there are several Toys for Tots programs that can help provide your child with a new gift this holiday.
How to Apply for Free Toys in Florida
If you would like to receive free toys from Toys for Tots this Christmas, you must apply for the program. To apply for free toys this 2023 holiday season, follow these steps:
- Visit the Toys for Tots website.
- Select the Florida City or County where you live from the dropdown menu.
- Once you are on the County or City Toys for Tots page, click the red “Apply for Toys” button located at the top of the page.
- Follow the Application Instructions listed on the page to apply for toys.
United Way Free Christmas Assistance
If you live in Florida and are looking for food and/or gift assistance this 2023 holiday season, the United Way can help.
The United Way is partnering with several local organizations to provide holiday meals and Christmas toys to low income families this holiday season.
To learn more about all the free Christmas assistance being offering for 2023, click here to visit the United Way of Florida website.
If you’re searching for Christmas help near you, apply with one of the local charity organizations listed below. You can also contact the United Way’s 2-1-1 Service for holiday assistance. Dial 2-1-1, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit the 2-1-1 Website to chat.
Be an Elf Free Toy Program
Be an Elf is a nonprofit organization that helps underprivileged children receive gifts during Christmas. The organization helps families write letters to Santa through the USPS Operation Santa® Program.
Individuals can then adopt real letters and send gifts directly to the children in-need who wrote them. There’s no middle man or charity, it’s direct from the donor to a child.
Many letters are written by kids and Moms who ask only for “a warm coat for my 5 year old,” “new shoes, size 6,” or other basic necessities. Volunteers at Christmas may mail their gifts directly to children who need a brighter Christmas.
If your family is struggling financially, this is a great option on how you might be able to get some extra Christmas gifts for your kids.
Click here to find out how to get free Christmas gifts for your family.
The deadline is December 10, 2023.
Operation Homefront Holiday Toy Drive
Operation Homefront’s Holiday Toy Drive helps bring holiday cheer to military families. For over a decade, they’ve partnered with Dollar Tree to provide military families with support during the holiday season.
Dollar Tree stores take toy donations, typically in November and December to help make the holidays brighter for our military families. In 2019, over 1,000 military children received toys from our Holiday Toy Drive.
To participate, start by registering for an Operation Homefront account. When you are eligible for the event, it will appear on your Account Dashboard. Once the event appears in your dashboard, you can register to attend and get help.
To learn more, visit their website at operationhomefront.org.
Free Christmas Food Assistance for 2023
If you are facing hunger this holiday season, there is help available to you. Please contact or visit your local Florida food bank for free food and hot meals. They can provide you with free holiday meals, holiday food boxes, hot dinners, and more.
Free Christmas Trees for 2023
The Christmas Tree Project is a nonprofit organization that saw an opportunity to help bring the Christmas spirit to families in need. Their mission is to provide fully decorated Christmas trees to thousands of families who cannot afford them on their own.
Today, they are one of the largest organizations providing free Christmas trees to low-income families during the holiday season. Although they are based out of Colorado, they give away trees across the country.
Click here to Request a Free Christmas Tree for 2023.
Free Christmas Assistance Programs in Florida Summary
We hope this guide on the programs and organizations offering Free Christmas Assistance Programs in Florida for the 2023 holiday season was helpful to you. We will continue to update this post as more programs for free Christmas toys and meals in Florida are announced.
If you found this information helpful and think someone would benefit from it, please share this post.
For questions or comments regarding the information we’ve provided, please let us know in the comments section below.
In the meantime, be sure to check out our other articles:
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