There are several places in the Huntsville region where you can get free Christmas toys, gifts and meals. Some of these places include the Salvation Army, Toys for Tots and local churches and food pantries. Many families in Madison County who are struggling financially can enroll in free programs like Toys for Tots or Angel Tree to get help during the holidays. These programs are typically geared towards families with single mothers or low-income earners. Some people who may need help during Christmas are those who are elderly and lonely, grandparents who are raising their grandchildren, or people who are underemployed.
When possible, free gifts, clothing, and meals are served to Huntsville area families regardless of their age, race, or religion. One of the main services is free toys for tots from the Marine Corps and Salvation Army.
Many charities in the area have a program where they provide gifts for children in need during the holiday season. This is not just for the Salvation Army. This service provides children in need with donated toys, bikes, games, shoes, and other items. Children can request specific items, and they will be given whatever donated items are available. There are many other assistance programs that can help low income families during the holiday season, whether it is Thanksgiving or Christmas.
For more information about Madison County resources, see the information below. When applying for a free toy, you will need to bring proof of income, residency, and proof of need.
This program helps people who are vulnerable. There may be financial assistance available for Christmas gifts for low to moderate income families with foster children. If you want gifts, food, or free toys, you can apply as well.
Parents with incarcerated children can apply for gifts for their children. Children must be between the ages of 0-18 and the parent must be incarcerated. The parent must complete an application and return it to the address listed. The “Operation Believe – Exodus Inc.” program in Huntsville, AL provides gifts for children of incarcerated parents. Parents must complete an application and return it to the address listed. The non-profit only serves a limited area, based on zip codes.
The Salvation Army in Huntsville is looking for families or children to enroll in their Angel Tree program. The main address is 2114 Oakwood Avenue and the phone number is (256) 536-5576. Children under the age of 13 may be given free gifts, games, dolls, and more. The center also provides clothing, case management, and financial assistance. The Salvation Army provides free Christmas assistance programs for those in need. This includes resources such as food, gifts, and clothing.
Downtown Rescue Mission Inc. is located at 1400 Evangel Drive N.W. Huntsville, Alabama 35811 and can be reached at (256) 536-2441. They offer Thanksgiving programs and free Christmas meals as well as stockings.
The Memorial Rescue Mission provides emergency Christmas and holiday toy programs for those in need.
Operation Stand Down is a nonprofit organization that helps veterans in Madison County, their spouses, and children. They offer a variety of services, including financial assistance, housing assistance, and counseling. They can be reached at (256) 517-8171. There is not only Christmas gifts, clothes, and food, but also information on other aid for those that were in the military, such as housing or food stamps.
Christmas food and emergency toys are given out at Manna House, located at 2110 South Memorial Parkway in Huntsville, AL. This means that you should plan to get your food a week or so before the holiday. If a low income family from Madison County hasn’t received help from another charity, church, or program, they will receive one free book, toy, stuffed animal, or game.
The Second Mile Development organization runs a low priced store, known as Secret Santa’s Shop, which is located at 2815 University Drive in Huntsville, AL. The store’s main phone number is (256) 536-1953. It offers affordable gifts for families. There is a cost associated with this. Get a form from any Marine. Or, go to any Toys for Tots distribution site. If you are a Madison County resident and you volunteer to help with the Toys for Tots campaign, you may be given a free gift card to use to pay for toys, clothes and more. New toys may be given to children in Huntsville. The items will be taken out of the packaging and customized to meet the request of the child. Some stores give away presents for free to children under a certain age during Christmas. These presents can be things like books, electronics, games, and clothing. You can apply for this job by clicking on the link below. Click here to apply for the job. The website provides a list of locations where people can drop off toys for the Toys for Tots program.