Food and gift support
Christmas is meant to be a time of celebration and joy, but if finances are tight, it can be challenging, stressful and isolating.
Contact us if you are experiencing financial difficulties or a housing crisis, are unsure if you have enough food for Christmas, or don’t know how you will afford presents for your kids.
Your local Salvo centre and churches may be able to support you with food, toys, gifts and vouchers. We want to help you and help you believe in good for Christmas and for the year ahead.
Confirm your eligibility by reaching out to us.
We also offer emergency relief support throughout the year for when you may be doing it tough urgent financial assistance, along with ongoing case management for those who would find that helpful. This is available year-round via our Salvos Phone Assistance Line.
Alternatively, you may wish to have a free, confidential conversation with a financial counsellor to help you with debt and money management for a stress-free Christmas, or to set yourself up for a smoother new year.
Frequently asked questions
If the thought of putting food on the table or spending money at Christmas, on even simple gifts for your children, is causing you overwhelming stress, reach out to your local Salvos.
We can see if you are eligible for a Christmas food hamper or gift assistance. You may also like to ask about our financial counselling programs to help you with money management or getting control of your debts so you can feel more financially confident heading into the new year.
Whenever possible, we want to give parents the dignity of choosing Christmas gifts for their own child among the purchased gifts and community donations. We do not wrap gifts for this reason. Some locations may have gift vouchers so parents can experience the joy of shopping for their child. All items are new and in good condition.
The Salvation Army is a charity with a depth of experience in helping provide a joyful and meaningful Christmas. We generally invite people to our services and centres to pick up food hampers and vouchers and choose toys and gifts in the days or even weeks before Christmas, so families are ready to celebrate and enjoy Christmas Day.
Don’t leave it too late, as many of our centres begin the process of compiling names and planning, well before Christmas Day. The sooner you get in touch with your local Salvos, the sooner we can help take the stress out of Christmas for you.
As well as offering food and gift support, many of our local Salvos host free Christmas meals, carols services and church services. We’d love to welcome you to one and share the gift of hope and connection with you! Visit our events.
If you would like more information about how you can help people who are struggling this Christmas, visit get involved this Christmas.
We know the current housing shortage, rent rises and pressures on homeowners are felt year-round — not just at Christmas. However, we would still like to offer you some joy to brighten your Christmas. Please contact your local Salvos centre and find out how we can help with vouchers, food or toys for Christmas.
If you would like longer-term financial assistance or other services, including homelessness support services, please visit our need help page, so you can have hope for a new beginning in 2025.