DENVER — If you need food help or toys for your kids this holiday season, now is the time to apply.
There are many organizations that help families during the holidays, but most need you to apply early.
Salvation Army
Families needing toys for children or grocery store gift cards need to apply this week. There are six locations in the Denver Metro area where you can apply through Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019. Call the Salvation Army's Connection Center at (303) 295-3366 to find locations open on Friday or Saturday. Applications received after this week will be added to a waiting list.
You'll need picture ID, 30-day current proof of address like a utility bill or lease, and birth certificate or school records for all children in the house.
Salvation Army meals
The Salvation Army will be offering a Thanksgiving meal on Nov. 28 and a Christmas meal on Dec. 24 at the Colorado Convention Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thanksgiving Meal
The Denver Inner City Parish will host a community dinner on Monday, Nov. 25. No registration required. The meal starts at 6 p.m.
Santa Claus Shop
The Denver Santa Claus Shop works with local social service, welfare, charitable, religious and housing agencies and organizations, etc., inviting their clients to the shop to choose toys for their children. If you need help providing toys for your family this holiday season or know someone who does, admittance is by invitation only and only for Denver County residents.
Families must be registered and referred to the Denver Santa Claus Shop by a social service agency such as Catholic Charities, Denver Human Services, Denver Public Schools' Homeless Education Network, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless or Head Start. Learn more here.
Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots has been helping families during the holidays since the 1940s. Toys for Tots gives toys to dozens of organizations that in turn, give those toys to needy families. For a list of local organizations, visit the Toys for Tots website.
LEAP
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program helps families with their winter heating bills. Learn more here.
Other
Colorado's 211 website has an extensive list of other assistance for meals and gifts/toys. Click here for details.
If you have a social worker, or are working with a social service agency like Catholic Charities, a local Human Services agency or the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, ask them directly what services or advice they might have for your family to find holiday help.