Holiday Helper Programs – 2023
COATS FOR KIDS: The Salvation Army’s centers are a place for families in crisis to get help,
including coats for their children. Visit any of our Twin Cities Worship & Service Centers to learn
about meeting your child’s need for a coat.
Anoka County Thanksgiving Baskets click here
Hennepin County Thanksgiving Baskets click here
Ramsey County Thanksgiving Baskets click here
Additional county resources: click here
Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Dakota free holiday assistance.
Churches as well as charities across the Minneapolis region and nearby counties
provide assistance, including free Christmas gifts, to low income families around the
holidays. There may be everything from free Thanksgiving meals and food baskets at
Christmas to toys, gifts, electronics, or clothing. Most of the programs, including Toys for
Tots and Angel Tree, are focused on children as well as senior citizens in the area, but
the terms change by agency.
The demand for any type of assistance is very high, and only a small number of
requests will be fulfilled. Also, the application period for both Thanksgiving and the free
Christmas programs are usually available during the early fall months. Any free items,
toys, or meals are first come and served, so apply for help early.
What may be available in Hennepin or Ramsey County, as well as nearby areas, will
vary. They rely heavily on donations and volunteers from the community as well, but it
can be toys, winter coats, and even free Christmas meals brought to seniors in their
home or a nursing site.
There are many churches that sponsor families for the holidays, families
can call your local city hall and may connect with a church in your area.
Local City Hall Numbers:
Columbia Heights (763) 706-3600
Hilltop (763) 571-2023
Fridley (763) 571-3450
Minneapolis (612) 673-3000
Brooklyn Center (763) 569-3400
Anoka (763) 576-2700
Blaine (763) 784-6700
New Brighton (651) 638-2100
Shoreview (651) 490-4600
Maplewood (651) 249-2000
Updated October 2023 1
Salvation Army (formerly Operation Joy) Dial 651-746-3595
This can be provided in multiple locations, ranging from Hennepin County to Dakota and other
locations. The Salvation Army centers have a variety of social services and items for children.
They also provide free Christmas toys, meal services, as well as the Angel Tree and Adopt a
Family program. Most of the assistance is for seniors and youth under the age of 14. More on
Salvation Army Minnesota holiday assistance.
The registration period is usually in late September throughout November, as supplies last.
There may be items such as free toys, gifts, presents, and meals as well. Other resources
include Back to School supplies, winter coats, and more.
● 1115 Greenbrier Street, St. Paul 55106, call 651-776-8708
● 2445 Prior Avenue, Roseville, MN 55113, (651)746-3541
Salvation Army Required Documentation: Proof of address (bring a current piece of mail),
Picture ID for adult picking up toys, ID for each child in household (ex. Medical card, birth
certificate, school ID, social security card, etc.)
The Salvation Army Angel Tree applications available September to November timeframe,
low income families need to apply early as they are first-come served. After someone buys
these items, the gifts, clothing, etc. will be returned to the Angel Tree.
Apply and contact information of Salvation Army office:
Anoka County is supported by a Salvation Army center at Ibis St NW, Coon Rapids, Minnesota
55433. Call (763) 755-6873 for intake. There are referrals as well as a low cost Family Store on
site.
Hennepin County:
● Parkview/ North Office, 2024 Lyndale Ave. N, Minneapolis, MN 55411, dial
612-522-6581
● Central/NEED Office, 2727 Central Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418, primary phone
612-789-1512
Salvation Army Adopt a Family at 2023 Christmas
Adopt a Family differs from Angel Tree in a few key ways. One is it just does not provide
gifts/toys, but it can also include food, cleaning supplies, paper items, and more. Another key
part is it is for the entire household, including parents, and this is where the free Christmas food
often comes into play. Last, there is no physical “Tree” to select a name from.
Low income families need to register for the 2023 program. Call a local center to apply
Referrals from Salvation Army near you help at Christmas
This national organization is but one charity that low income or struggling families can turn to for
assistance. There are many others that provide assistance, even to those individuals facing an
emergency, in the form of free money, gift cards, toys, food boxes, and more. The Salvation
Army Family Services Unit can provide information on other assistance programs. free
Christmas money programs.
Most of the Christmas programs do not duplicate services. Household can turn to only one
agency at a time, whether that is the Salvation Army or some other charity. Call an
organization to apply early, well before the holiday season begins.
Toys for Tots/Operation Joy - 612-713-4820
Ages 0-16 are eligible for Toys for Tots. You will need to contact an organization to register for
your toys, toys for tots does not distribute toys directly. If you would like to apply for assistance
from Marine Toys for Tots this Christmas CLICK HERE to find the Local Marine Toys for Tots
Campaign in your community and visit their local campaign website for details and instructions.
Updated October 2023 2
Toys for Tots of Minneapolis area
There are donations of new, wrapped presents from the community. Businesses, individuals,
and charities may provide free toys, winter clothing, gifts, bicycles, and more for children under
the age of 13. The USMC is also a partner. Application sites include the following, and low
income families can also apply online. Or get more referrals to holiday help.
● Community Emergency Assistance Programs - 7051 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Center,
Minnesota, 55429, Hennepin County residents dial 763-450-3666.
● Spiritual Rock Outreach Ministries - 6010 65th Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota,
55429, dial 763-316-8051.
● Rise Inc. - 3708 Nicollet Ave South, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 554409, telephone
651-403-1885.
● Christmas Committee Inc. - PO Box 755, Anoka, Minnesota, 55303, phone
763-323-4982.
● Grace and Mercy Tabernacle Church of God in Christ - 14501 Nowthen Boulevard NW,
Ramsey, Minnesota, 55303, phone 763-427-4392. They serve Anoka County.
● Red Lake Nation Embassy- 2929 Bloomington Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55406,
612-874-9588.
● Southern Anoka Community Assistance is at 627 38th Ave NE, Columbia Heights,
Minnesota, 55421. For hours, call 612-532-1914.
● The father's house of Carver County. Address is 2940 N Chestnut St, Chaska,
Minnesota, 55318. Phone 651-243-8687.
● The CHAP Storeis at 2020 E. HWY 13, Burnsville , Minnesota, 55337. They are in
Dakota County, and dial 952-890-8222 for information on Toys for Tots.
● The Father's House - Burnsville high school, Burnsville, Minnesota, 55337. Phone
651-216-2241.
● Real Believers Faith Center of Hennepin County is at 2010 Fremont Ave, Minneapolis
Minnesota, 55411. For information on free Christmas help, call 763-438-6335.
● Tabernacle Faith church - 921 Downs Road, Champlin, Minnesota, 55316. Call
763-300-6547.
● CROSS Toys for Tots is at 12915 Weinand Circle, Rogers, Minnesota, 55374. Dial
763-425-1050.
● Good in the 'Hood - 2101 Chicago Ave S, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55404. Low income
families in Hennepin County can dial 612-217-4003.
● Grace Apostolic Church - The charity is at 3805 3rd Ave South, Minneapolis, Minnesota,
55409. The Hennepin County agency can be reached at 612-961-9132.
● Harvest For Youth Ministries - Phone 952-428-8063.
● West African Family and Community Services helps people of all faiths. Location is 7200
Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, 55429. Telephone number is 612-276-1527.
● Minneapolis Urban League provides free toys, coats, and more in Hennepin County.
Address is 2100 Plymouth Ave North, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411. Phone
612-302-3114.
● New Millennium Academy. Address is 2620 Russell Ave N, Minneapolis, Minnesota,
55411. For information on holiday applications, call 612-377-6260.
● The Purpose Church - 3001 Russel Ave N, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411. Phone
612-968-5197.
Franciscan Brothers of Peace
1289 Lafond Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota
Telephone – 651-646-8586
Hot meals, small toys for children (based on donation levels) and other holiday support is
available in Ramsey County.
Updated October 2023 3
Holiday Meals on Wheels
(952) 888-9616
Free food is for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. It is for the homebound, elderly, and
disabled that meet income and poverty guidelines. It operates in Bloomington, Edina, Richfield
and part of south Minneapolis in both Ramsey and Hennepin County.
YMCA of The Greater Twin Cities
Location is 2125 East Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55413
Meals, shelter, and help for the homeless.
Christmas Committee and Toys for Joy
PO Box 755
Anoka, MN 55303
Phone Number – (763)323-4982
The non-profit charity has Christmas items and goods. Cities include Anoka, Bethel, Blaine,
Wyoming, Burns, Cedar, Coon Rapids, East Bethel, Andover, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Oak
Grove, Ramsey, Saint Francis, and Stacey. The charity has a free Christmas dinner in Anoka
County. Meats, ham, toppings, and other items may be served for families.
House of Charity
714 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
No applications are needed. A free Christmas meal is served on the 25th from 10:30 to 11:30.
Anyone can stop by for holiday food, including Dakota or Hennepin County families. Kids may
be given small toys or stockings with some candy as well.
The Food Group: Fare For All– Holiday Meals
8501 54
th
Avenue N. New Hope, MN
763-450-3860
Serving all residents of the Twin Cities, low cost food baskets (40% off retail prices)
Open to all. Mask up indoors – even if fully vaccinated. COVID safety measures – social
distancing. Check the schedule below carefully for the sale nearest you. For efficiency, credit,
debit, or EBT payments are preferred, cash accepted, NO checks.
Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church
3355 N 4th Street, Minneapolis 55412- (612)767-9428
Providing Thanksgiving basket and fixings (Turkey and Fixings) - Open to all
Register HERE or call the number above- registration open from OCT. 1st- NOV. 11th.
After registration, you’ll receive a call on week of Nov 13th regarding pick up day and time
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St. Stephens Church
2123 Clinton Avenue South
Volunteers may have goods and items.
St. Stephen’s
Christmas Basket Program. 525 Jackson St. Anoka 763-421-2471
Anoka County Only
Updated October 2023 4
http://www.ststephenchurch.org/
Need referral from Social Work
Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners (IOCP)
Address is 1605 County Road 101 N
Plymouth, MN, 55447-2708
Call (763) 489-7500
Free Christmas toys and gifts, including at Hanukkah, Christmas, and Eid al-Fitr seasons. They
also pass out birth gifts to kids, small toys, and free food boxes.
Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People - VEAP
Another center is at 9600 Aldrich Avenue South,
Bloomington, MN 55420
Programs include holiday, birthday celebrations, some small Christmas toys or gifts, and free
Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, including Turkeys and the like.
—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Union Gospel Mission
435 University Avenue
For holiday assistance, dial 651-292-1721.
Hot meals, referrals, and Thanksgiving or Christmas help for families in poverty.
Union Gospel Mission Thanksgiving Meals
Food and Shelter | Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities
https://www.ugmtc.org › programs › food-shelter
Registration is now open for Thanksgiving Baskets Through Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities.
If you are in need this Thanksgiving, register following the steps below:
Those in need can register online: registration
or by calling 651-222-4949
Limited Registration, one meal bag per family
Documents Required: Name, Email, and Zip Code to register
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Messiah Lutheran Church - Minneapolis
Location is 2400 Park Ave
Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55404-3713
(612) 871-8831
Gift cards, games, books, trucks, dolls, clothes, bags, gift-certificates, and many other free
Christmas toys or items may be passed out.
Centennial Community Food Shelf
200 Civic Heights Cir
Circle Pines, MN 55014-1788
For information on Holiday Program, call (763) 784-2013
North-Suburban Emergency Assistance Response (NEAR)
Location is 5209 W Broadway Ave
Crystal, Minnesota, 55429-3101
Main number is (763) 533-2836
Serves Thanksgiving and Christmas food: Holiday food items will be available in
addition to regular bi-monthly food distribution.
Updated October 2023 5
Holiday toy Distribution: For children aged newborn through Grade 12 of current
clients who live in Crystal, New Hope and Robbinsdale Pre-Registration is required. Next
event will be held in December 2023.
Christmas Committee Inc. & Toys for Joys
Low income families in need and NOT receiving help from another project. Northern Anoka
County Cities Only. 763-323-4982 http://www.christmascommittee.com/
Distribution of Aid will be at: 408 E Main Street, Anoka, MN. This is the Anoka Armory.
How We Help: Food, new toys, new books and money donations are collected through drives at
many area schools, drop sites at area businesses, and through generous financial contributions
from local businesses and individuals. The Toys for Joy drive collects donations within Anoka
County. The local members of the St. Paul Area Association of Realtors buy hundreds of toys.
The Toys for Tots, organized by the Marine Corps, provides the rest of the toys we distribute.
(… read more)
2023 Information
1. We will be distributing from the Anoka Armory: 408 E Main Street, Anoka, MN.
Find it on the map.
2. Look for signs and volunteers at intersections leading you to Anoka Armory
3. Each family will have a set appointment time slot they must come during. DO
NOT ARRIVE EARLY OR LATE.
4. Fill out an application form and detailed “wish list” for each child. We will do our
best to fit donated gifts with appropriate gifts for each family. You will NOT be
able to choose toys.
5. Food distributed will be mostly perishable items. Turkey or chicken, potatoes,
apples, carrots, and bread. There will be a few non-perishable items as well.
6. For more food go to your local food shelf. Information on those is found on our
page: “Apply for Help”
7. We are only accepting On-Line applications found on our “Apply Online” page.
Christmas with Dignity – Hospitality House Youth Development
1220 Logan Ave North, Minneapolis, MN 55411 612-522-4485
Allows parents to have the pleasure of shopping and giving their children new gifts at prices
they can afford. The holiday setting, personal shoppers, and free gift wrapping give parents the
chance to enjoy the experience as well as the satisfaction of providing for their families. Gifts
are at about one-tenth the original price. Hospitality house families will be able to register
October 30th and 31st, General registration will begin November 1st
Register at: Information and registration
Shopping is on Friday, December 8th, 2023 9:00 am- 6:00 pm
Registration requirements for 2023
Current, valid picture ID for Parent or guardian registering children. *If address has changed,
bring a utility bill with a new address when you register.
-For Natural Children: Bring ORIGINAL birth certificate listing parent & child (no copies).
-For Legal Guardians/Foster Parents: Bring custody letter; name & phone number of social
worker.
Southern Anoka Community Assistance- SACA
627 38th Ave NE
Columbia Heights, MN 55421
Updated October 2023 6
763-706-3976 ; (763) 789-2444
The charity gives away free Christmas toys each year. Kids from low income or families in
poverty, single mother run homes, and immigrants often get help. There are also free frozen
meals, including turkey dinners, given out during the holidays based on donations.
Serving residents of Columbia Heights, Fridley, Spring Lake Park and Hilltop.
For more information call 763 706-3976 or go to www.sacafoodshelf.org
Normal business hours are Monday 9am-4pm, Tuesday 8am-4pm, Wednesday
10:00am-6:00pm, and Thursday 8-3:00 You will need (2 pieces of mail, ID, Birth
certificate/medical card/social card). May have Holiday Dinner and Toy Drive. we are able to
provide a full, nutritious meal and gifts to help clients.
Columbia Heights Police Department - Anoka County
Address is 825 41st Avenue NE
Columbia Heights, Minnesota 55421
Phone Number is (763)706-8113
Small gifts, toys, and presents for children and teens.
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Community Emergency Assistance Program- CEAP
7051 Brooklyn Boulevard Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
763-566-9600
Serving residents of Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, and East Champlin, with children under
the age of 18
Registration starts early to mid-November – and lasts until early December. Please call to be
screened and register: 9am – 3pm Monday - Friday
CEAP has its own Hope for the Holidays event and is participating in the Toys for Tots program
and giving out December Holiday Food Baskets.
CEAP will have holiday meals and food baskets this year, 2021. Registration is required.
Call United Way – at 2-1-1 or 651-291-0211, to learn which programs have toys for
children if you can not access the website above. A child may only be registered through
one charitable organization. Multiple registrations by different family members, at different
locations, are not allowed. Only toy requests by family members with custodial responsibility are
normally approved. Other requests are considered on a case by case basis. You will need the
children’s birthdates and Social Security Numbers
Updated October 2023 7
