Free Christmas Assistance in California (2023 Guide)

The holidays can be an extremely stressful time, but especially for those California households barely meeting their basic needs. Luckily, there are many nonprofit organizations and programs offering Free Christmas Assistance Programs in California 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 California households.

We will also provide you with everything you need to know about how to register or apply for free Christmas gifts in 2023.

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 California for 2023.

Free Christmas Assistance Programs in California (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 California.

To qualify for one of the free Christmas Assistance Programs in California, you must be a low-income California resident. In addition, you must each organizations or programs requirements.

For a list of all the Free Christmas Assistance in California for the 2023 holiday season, including registration and contact information, then continue reading below.

Free Christmas Gifts in California for 2023

Below is a list of organizations offering Free Christmas Gifts for low-income families in California for the 2023 holiday season.

 

Candy Cane Lane 2023 Toy Giveaway – Los Angeles, CA

The Church of Scientology of Los Angeles is hosting their annual Candy Cane Lane Toy Giveaway for the 2023 holiday season.

They transform L. Ron Hubbard Way into Candy Cane Lane for a magical toy giveaway and Christmas celebration!

There will be:

• Photos with Santa Claus
• A Toy Giveaway
• Christmas Treats & Cookie Decorating
• Ice Skating
• Christmas Arts & Crafts
• Bounce House

Please register for every person you plan to bring to the celebration.

For event information and how to register, see the details below:

Event Date & Time

Sunday, December 10, 2023
12:00pm – 4:00pm

Event Location

Church of Scientology of Los Angeles
4810 W. Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90027

Event Registration

To register, visit their Eventbrite page.

Christmas Together 2023 Annual Toy Giveaway – Orange County, CA

Families Together of Orange County is proud to host the 19th annual Christmas Together celebration – the largest toy giveaway in Orange County.

They will continue the tradition of giving away thousands of toys along with an unforgettable experience for our community to enjoy.

Last year, Families Together gave away 20,000 toys at Christmas Together – and this year they plan to give away 30,000 toys!

Christmas Together is a joyous occasion that includes carnival rides, games, raffles, entertainment, pictures with Santa, and a variety of food options completely free of charge to all attendees.

Registration is now open! Quantity is limited and early registration is encouraged to secure your spot in this year’s festivities.

All participants must be Orange County residents.

Event Date & Time

Sunday, December 10, 2023
8:00am – 5:00pm

Event Location

Anaheim Convention Center
800 West Katella Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92802

Registration

To register, click here.

Only registered participants will be allowed entrance into the event.

For more information, visit www.familiestogetheroc.org.

 

DUYA Christmas Toy Giveaway 2023 – Inglewood, CA

Dynasty’s United Youth Association (DUYA) is hosting their annual Christmas event to give back to the Los Angeles community for the 2023 holiday season.

At DUYA’s Christmas Toy Giveaway, they will be giving away a wide variety of toys to children of all ages. From plush toys to action figures, there will be something for everyone.

It’s a perfect opportunity to make this Christmas extra special for your little ones.

Join us for an evening full of fun, laughter, and holiday cheer. Bring your family and friends along to enjoy the festivities.

All toys will be given away on a first come, first served basis.

For event information and how to register, see the details below:

Event Date & Time

Friday, December 15, 2023
6:00pm – 7:30pm

Event Location

1117 West Manchester Blvd, Suite A
Inglewood, CA 90301

Event Registration

To register, visit their Eventbrite page.

 

Blessings in a Backpack Holiday Toy & Grocery Giveaway – Sacramento, CA

Blessings in a Backpack Rancho Cordova Chapter is hosting their 4th annual Holiday Toy and Grocery Giveaway for 2023.

They will be providing over 200 gifts to local families in the Sacramento area.

This event is only for families that live in the following zip codes, 95821, 95826, 95827, 95630, 95642, 95655, or 95670.

Registration is required and opens on Friday, November 24, 2023.

All registration is accepted on a first come, first served basis.

Applicants who register successfully will receive an assigned time for toy pickup.

For event information and how to register, see the details below:

Event Date

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Event Location

9249 Folsom Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95826

Event Registration

To register, visit their website.

For questions, please email them at [email protected].

 

Project Boon Free Holiday Gifting Event – Rialto, CA

Project Boon has postponed their Free Holiday Gifting Event in Rialto for the 2023 holiday season.

They will be back with this annual event in December 2024.

They will be giving away free Christmas toys and groceries to families in the community.

All toys and groceries will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.

For event information and how to register, see the details below:

Event Date & Time

Postponed until December 2024

Event Location

1145 West Renaissance Parkway
Rialto, CA 92376

Event Registration

To register, visit their Eventbrite page.

 

Making Spirits Bright Gift Giveaway – Fresno, CA

Fresno EOC Sanctuary and Support Services is hosting their annual “Making Spirits Bright” event for low-income families.

Families will receive gifts, stockings, family basket, and a Christmas tree.

Sanctuary’s Making Spirits Bright event brings together Fresno’s businesses and community groups working together to serve others.

For event information and how to register, see the details below:

Event Date & Time

Saturday, December 2, 2023

Event Location

King Elementary School
1001 E Florence Avenue
Fresno, CA 93706

Event Registration

For information on how to participate, please call (559) 475-8157 or email [email protected].

 

Free Toy & Grocery Giveaway – Long Beach, CA

Pools of Hope is hosting their annual Free Toy and Grocery Giveaway for the 2023 holiday season.

They will be giving away the following items:

• Free groceries
• Free Toys
• Asthma screenings

Children must be present in order to receive a free toy.

The event is first come, first serve. Please show up early!

Event Date & Time

Saturday, December 16, 2023
11:00am – 2:00pm

Event Location

6801 Long Beach Blvd
Long Beach, CA 90805

Event Registration

To register, visit their Eventbrite page.

 

 

 

Free Christmas Toy Giveaway Event – Victorville, CA

Mt. Moriah Deliverance Temple is hosting their Free Christmas Toy Giveaway Event in Rialto for the 2023 holiday season.

Pre-registration is required to attend this event.

All toys will be pre-bagged and picked up with valid identification.

For event information and how to register, see the details below:

Event Date & Time

December 2023

Event Location

16138 Molino Drive
Victorville, CA 92395

Event Registration

To register, visit their website.

 

Holi-Skate Toy Giveaway – San Diego, CA

Join Black Women Lead for their Holi-Skate Christmas Toy Giveaway event for the 2023 holiday season.

Enjoy live music, free gifts, yummy treats, skating, and holiday cheer! Plus, meet Santa and the elf helpers!

Children from 0 to 17 years old will receive a free gift on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Pre-registration is not required, but encouraged for this event.

For event information and how to register, see the details below:

Event Date & Time

December 2023

Event Location

8200 San Felipe Street
San Diego, CA 92114

Event Registration

To register, visit their website event page.

 

Kids Christmas Party & Toy Giveaway

The African American Community Service Agency (AACSA) is hosting their annual Kids Christmas Party and Toy Giveaway for 2023.

The event provides gifts to families in Santa Clara County each holiday season.

Pre-registration is required to attend this event.

You must register for a pick-up time, as well as fill-out the online registration form. There is a limited supply of gifts available for families.

For event information and how to register, see the details below:

Event Date & Time

December 2023 – Date Coming Soon!

Event Location

304 North 6th Street
San Jose, CA 95112

Event Registration

To register, please complete the online form.

 

Indio SAC Health Annual Christmas Toy Giveaway for 2023 – Indio, CA

SAC Health is hosting their annual Christmas Toy Giveaway for the 2023 holiday season.

There will be festive snacks and activities for the family to enjoy and a gift for each child that registers online.

Event Date & Time

Thursday, December 14, 2023
1:30pm – 3:30pm

Event Location

SAC Health Indio Clinic
82-934 Civic Center Drive
Indio, CA 92201

Event Registration

Register online at their Eventbrite page.

 

SAC Health Annual Christmas Toy Giveaway for 2023 – San Bernardino, CA

SAC Health is hosting their annual Christmas Toy Giveaway for the 2023 holiday season.

There will be festive snacks and activities for the family to enjoy and a gift for each child that registers online.

Event Date & Time

Tuesday, December 19, 2023
1:30pm – 3:30pm

Event Location

San Manuel 66ers Stadium
280 South E Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401

Event Registration

Register online at their Eventbrite page.

 

Free Christmas Toy & Food Giveaway

The Star of David Church is hosting their annual Free Christmas Toy and Food Giveaway for 2023.

In order to ensure there is enough for your family, it is important that you follow the registration steps.

Pre-registration is required to attend this event.

Follow these steps to receive free Christmas Toys & Food:

1. Sign up each adult & child attending separately (including babies).
2. Children MUST attend the program in order to get a toy.
3. Only sign-up for ONE time slot or it will be cancelled.

For event information, see the details below:

Event Date & Time

December 2023 – Date Coming Soon!

Event Location

Star of David Church
175 Bernal Road #102
San Jose, CA 95119

Event Registration

For more information, visit their Eventbrite page.

 

E&E Love Foundation Free Toy Giveaway

The E&E Love Foundation is hosting their annual Free Christmas Toy Giveaway for the 2023 holiday season.

They are spreading love this holiday season with toys for children from ages 0-17 years old.

Pre-registration is required to attend this event.

For event information and how to register, see the details below:

Event Date & Time

December 2023 – Date Coming Soon!

Event Location

45345 Sierra Highway
Lancaster, CA 93534

Event Registration

To register, visit their Eventbrite page.

 

Free Christmas Toy Giveaway in Rialto

Never Stop Grinding Impact is hosting their 4th Annual Free Christmas Toy Giveaway at the Rialto Farmers Market this 2023 holiday season.

Free toys will be distributed first come, first serve to children from the ages of 0 to 17.

All children must be present with their an event ticket in order to receive gifts.

For event information and how to register, see the details below:

Event Date & Time

December 2023 – Date Coming Soon!

Event Location

290 West Rialto Avenue
Rialto, CA 92376

Event Registration

To register, visit their Eventbrite page.

 

Free Christmas Gifts for Low-Income Families in California – 2023

If you are struggling purchase Christmas gifts or toys for your children this 2023 holiday season, there are several national nonprofit organizations that offer Christmas assistance programs in California.

Check out our list of national organizations offering help with free Christmas toys and gifts this 2023 holiday season.

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 for the 2023 holiday season is December 10, 2023.

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 California, 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 California

If you would like to receive free Christmas toys from Toys for Tots this 2023 holiday season, you must apply for the program.

To apply for free gifts, follow the steps below:

1. Visit the Toys for Tots website.
2. Click “Request a Toy” from the top menu.
3. Select California from the state dropdown menu.
4. Choose your California City or County from the menu.
5. 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.
6. Follow the Application Instructions listed on the page to apply for free Christmas toys in California.

 

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.

 

United Way Free Christmas Assistance Program

If you live in California 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 free 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 California 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.

 

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 Dinner in California for 2023

If you are facing hunger this holiday season, there is help available to you. Please contact or visit your local California food bank for free food and hot meals. They can provide you with free holiday meals, holiday food boxes, hot dinners, and more.

Below is a list of local organizations offering free Christmas meals in California for the 2023 holiday season:

38th Annual Holiday Meal Giveaway

Davis Food Co-op is hosting their 37th Annual Holiday Meal Giveaway for the 2023 holiday season.

This year’s meal is available for everyone to enjoy by either dine-in or take-out.

This free and festive dinner for the entire community is a remarkable Davis tradition and has become an important part of the holiday celebrations of local people from all walks of life.

This year’s meal is our first return to in-person dining since 2019 and they are anticipating feeding anywhere from 400 to 700 people.

For event information and how to register, see the details below:

Event Date & Time

December 2023 – Date Coming Soon!

Event Location

Veterans Memorial Center
203 E 14th Street
Davis, CA 95616

Event Registration

To register, visit their Eventbrite page.

 

Free Christmas Eve Brunch – San Francisco, CA

GLIDE and San Francisco’s House of Prime Rib will provide prime rib and all the sides for their Christmas Eve Brunch served to 2,400 guests in the outdoor-tented dining room.

Additionally, GLIDE will deliver 200 meals to encampments across the city.

For information on how to enroll, see the details below:

Event Date

Sunday, December 24, 2023
11:00am – 1:00pm

Event Location

1906 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94109

Event Registration

For information, please call (855) 412-3177.

 

Free Christmas Day Meal & Celebrations – San Francisco, CA

GLIDE Memorial Church will host their annual Christmas Celebrations for those in the San Francisco community.

Nearly 2,500 Christmas meals of ham, turkey and all the fixings will be served to the community (both onsite and throughout the city).

All attendees are required to honor all of GLIDE’s safety protocols.

For information on how to enroll, see the details below:

Event Date

Monday, December 25, 2023
10:00am – 1:00pm

Toy Pick-Up Location

330 Ellis Street
San Francisco, CA 94102

Event Registration

For information, please call (855) 412-3177.

 

Community Food Distribution Giveaway

SAC Health and Feeding America have partnered to supplement the food need in the community this 2023 holiday season.

Join them every third Tuesday of the month to receive a free food bag.

If registration is sold out, walk ups are encouraged until supplies last.

For event information, see the details below:

Event Date & Time

December 2023

Event Location

250 South G Street
San Bernardino, CA 92410

Event Registration

For more information, visit their Eventbrite page or call 909-771-2891.

 

Free Christmas Trees in California 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 – including California.

Click here to Request a Free Christmas Tree for 2023.

Free Christmas Assistance Programs in California Summary

We hope this guide on the programs and organizations offering Free Christmas Assistance Programs in California 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 California are announced.

Check out our other articles on Free Christmas Assistance available in California for 2023:

• Anaheim: Free Christmas Gifts Giveaways
• Bakersfield: Free Christmas Toys
• Fresno: Free Christmas Gifts & Meals
• Long Beach: Free Christmas Assistance
• Los Angeles: Free Christmas Toys, Gifts & Meals
• Oakland: Free Christmas Gifts & Toys
• Sacramento: Free Christmas Assistance
• San Diego: Free Christmas Toy Giveaways
• San Francisco: Free Christmas Gifts, Toys & Meals
• San Jose: Free Christmas Assistance

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:

Calfresh EBT Payment Schedule for December 2023
Free Thanksgiving Dinner in California for 2023
Free Admission with California EBT
How to get a Free Phone with California Food Stamps
Are we getting Extra Food Stamps this month?