Christmas Assistance

The school I teach at is collecting food, etc. for a family in need - we are taking the donations to Sabathani Community Center in Minneapolis as are many Minneapolis Public Schools. You could call them to see if/when you can come to pick things up. Good luck to you and your family!

I can think of a few place
Merrick Communities in St.Paul
Building Bridges in the Twin Cities
Your local Churches are a great resource for this type of help..

Hey H.. I work at a Homeless shelter so I am pretty familiar with alot of programs out there. There is Toys for Tots that you could sign up for. Also if you need more help then that, there is also the county assistance programs. There is a cash (MFIP) program, Food Support (food stamps), Medical help. If you contact your local county social services they can actually tell you more. Or you can dial 211 on the phone and also get some information as to what and where you can go for help.

I am so sorry about your situation.

I work in the non-profit world and you need to call the Salvation Army and ask about the Christmas Toy Shop, they'll connect you with a volunteer for Operation Joy who can give you all the details of the program. Basically, it is a "shop" of toys that qualified (the volunteer will help prequalify you) people can "shop" for their kids for Christmas (all new toys). If food is an issue, they can also get you in contact with people who can help with that.

The Salvation Army's number is: ###-###-####

I hope this helps. God Bless.

Where do you live what area of the cities?

Most Christmas programs you have to sign up well in advance like October, November. And they can only help so many people so it's best to call early. I'm thinking that won't work this year. But keep that in mind next year.

Call 211 from any phone it's the United Way Help Line or something they could possibly direct you to a organization or something. Or if you need a foodshelf or help getting a car repaired or emergency money or help they can direct you to a organization or program.

I know alot of churches have programs but for their regular church members only.

Not to be a snot but I start thinking about xmas in August. I'm a struggling single mom and have to either start saving then, or get ready to start calling a program in my area so I can ask for help which I only do as a last resort. I'm not trying to sound like a jerk but in the future you have to act sooner than 2 weeks before xmas. There are a ton of programs and so many opportunities but you've probaly missed most of the deadlines.

My daughter's school has a social worker who called me and specifically asked if we needed help for xmas and I declined their help this year. They were gonna hook us up with a local program in my area and then the school itself raises money and the pto raises money to get gift cards for the families in need at my daughters school. Maybe you could try that route if it's a possibility where you live.

I'm sorry to hear about your situation I've been there myself and hope something works out for you.

H., I've very sorry to hear about your situation.

Contact Bridging at www.bridging.org or ###-###-####. They can help with your situation year round with mostly household goods. However, every Christmas they distribute lists of families in need to local companies who then buy the family's Christmas list. I know my husband's company sponsors at least 20-30 families each year. You essentially give Bridging your wish list (we mostly see clothes and toys) and the employees go out and buy everything. It's pretty cool! Good luck.

H.,

Where do you live? Do you belong to a church? I know churchs would be more than willing to help you. My church and others would be able to help.

If you would accept some "assistance" from myself, nothing would make me happier to give a gift or two from "santa."

Please email me: ____@____.com

T.

H.-
Sorry, please see personal message.

H.,

My heart goes out to you & your kids. If you live in Dakota or Scott counties, you can try contacting the CAP Agency. They have some wonderful programs that might be able to help you. If nothing else, they have a thrift store that might have toys or other things that you could get for your kids at a very reduced cost. You can find them online at www.capagency.org.

Good luck, and I hope you have happy holidays...
J.