Across King County, Washington there are several Christmas assistance programs. Non-profit organizations run them using donations from the community and also the support of volunteers. A wide variety of free toys, gifts, and food items may be offered to struggling families, in particular those with children, in an effort to spread the holiday joy.
Some of the charities offer more than just Christmas help. They may also administer Thanksgiving meals or Easter gift baskets. Anyone who may qualify and is interested in getting more information will need to call a center.
Countless families in Seattle are struggling in these challenging times. The free gifts, clothing and meals that are provided around the holidays can make a big difference. It can free up your money for paying other bills and help people have some joy around Christmas and other holidays.
Below we’ve listed a variety of holiday assistance programs organized alphabetically by the city they’re located. Click on the links to learn about the program eligibility requirements, dates and more.
FOR ANY/ALL LOCATIONS:
Prison Fellowship
Prison Fellowship runs an Angel Tree Christmas program for children who have an incarcerated parent(s) so that this parent can give them a Christmas gift and a message of love even from behind bars. Getting involved with Prison Fellowship can also connect children and their families to resources like summer camp and mentorship. Learn more about how to get involved in the Angel Tree Christmas program by clicking on the link above!
USPS Operation Santa
USPS runs a program called Operation Santa where children can write letters to Santa (to a sneaky USPS secret address) and volunteers read these letters and choose children that they want to send Christmas gifts to. Note: Volunteers are more likely to choose letters to Santa that ask for things like clothing, toys, school supplies rather than expensive electronics or bikes. There is a comprehensive website with instructions (as well as some tips) on how to get gifts from Santa this year. Letters must be postmarked by December 11th.
Simplified: https://www.uspsoperationsanta.com/getinvolved
Longer version with tips: https://beanelf.org/seeking-gifts/
FOR VARIOUS LOCATIONS:
Forgotten Children’s Fund
forgottenchildrensfund@gmail.com
https://forgottenchildrensfund.org/request-help
The Forgotten Children’s Fund serves several counties (King, Pierce, Lewis, Chelan, North Sound, etc.) in Washington State where they provide a variety of gifts to children and families who do not qualify for assistance from other charitable organizations. Children receive a new warm coat and gifts and the family may receive blankets and food. This program is through application only, you can apply on their website linked above.
Salvation Army
https://saangeltree.org/index.dpi
The Salvation Army gives out gifts and new clothing to children and senior adults to be put under their family’s Christmas tree. Click on the link above to start your application for this program.
King County Toys for Tots
https://fort-lewis-wa.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/request-toys.aspx
Toys for Tots collects and gives out toys, books and stocking stuffers to children in need in King County. This year, toys will be distributed only to non-profit organizations and individuals will need to reach out to approved organizations to request a toy. The approved organizations can be found by clicking on the link above.
C:
Real Life Church
26201 180th Ave SE
Covington, WA, 98042
(253) 631-3038
https://www.reallifechurch.com/community-resources/food-bank
Up to 2 free gifts, presents, clothing items or gift cards are for families with children living in Covington.
F:
Multi-Service Center
1200 S 336th St.
Federal Way, WA, 98003
(253) 838-6810
https://mschelps.org/gethelp/food/
Provides free Christmas and holiday food for all clients. Volunteers and donations also can give gifts for children, ages 18 and younger. The program runs for qualified residents that live within the boundaries (in the following zip codes: 98003, 98023, 98032, 98422, and parts of 98001) of the Federal Way School District.
I:
Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank
179 1st Ave SE
Issaquah, WA, 98027
(425) 392-4123
https://issaquahfoodbank.org/holiday-gift-program/
The Holiday Gift Barn is providing gift cards for holiday shopping to registered clients of Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank, have a child under 18 (if your child is 18 but in high school, that is acceptable) and reside in one of the following zip codes: 98027, 98029, 98074, 98075, 98038, 98024, 98025, 98014, 98045, 98050, 98055-59, 98065.
Eastridge Church – Issaquah Campus
24205 SE Issaquah-Fall City Rd.
Issaquah, WA, 98029
(425) 392-3253
https://www.eastridgetoday.com/event/turkey2023/
There is a Turkey & Groceries Giveaway where you can receive a free turkey and a bag of groceries while supplies last. No proof of need required. There’s also a Toy House where toys will be given out and a Christmas show for the family to enjoy will take place. Note that in order to sign up for the Toy House, you must attend either the West Seattle or Issaquah Turkey Giveaway.
M:
Maple Valley Food Bank
21415 Maple Valley Hwy
Maple Valley, WA, 98038
(425) 432-8139
info@maplevalleyfoodbank.org
https://maplevalleyfoodbank.org/get-help/#gifts
The Maple Valley Food Bank offers a variety of programs year-round to offer food and financial assistance to residents in the Tahoma School District (Maple Valley, Hobart, Ravensdale, Black Diamond, and portions of Renton and Covington). They also offer a Children’s Christmas Gift program for children ages 0-18 where parents can choose from a selection of gifts. Send them an email for more information on how to register for assistance.
Mercer Island Youth and Family Services – Holiday Food and Gift Program
2040 84th Ave SE
Mercer Island, Washington, 98040
(206) 275-7869
https://miyfs.org/news-and-events/events/
R:
S:
Eastridge Church – West Seattle Campus
4500 39th Ave SW, West Seattle Assembly of God
Seattle, WA 98116
(425) 392-3253
https://www.eastridgetoday.com/ministries/upcoming-events/turkey/
There is a Turkey & Groceries Giveaway where you can receive a free turkey and a bag of groceries while supplies last. No proof of need required. There’s also a Toy House where toys will be given out and a Christmas show for the family to enjoy will take place. Note that in order to sign up for the Toy House, you must attend either the Seattle or Issaquah Turkey Giveaway.
University District Food Bank
5017 Roosevelt Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 523-7060
https://www.udistrictfoodbank.org/
The Holiday Gift Program combines food boxes (at Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter) with holiday gifts for kids under the age of 18.
Catholic Community Services – Annual Holiday Gift Shop
4250 S. Mead St.
St. Edwards Parish, Seattle, WA 98118
(206) 445-5669
https://ccsww.org/view-contact-information-by-county/
The gift shop is for pregnant women, including single moms. Kids needs to be under age of or just born, and they can get toys as well as free Christmas gifts. It is for low income and working poor families.
