BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Christmas will be here in 25 days.
As that number ticks down, the level of anxiety grows for parents and caregivers who cannot afford to buy toys and clothing for their children, or food for their families.
Local organizations can help, but deadlines to apply for that help are approaching.
Just like any other year and even more so, many agencies say there is more need than what may be deliverable. Groups are afraid to make promises of toys that they may not be able to keep.
Where to find help with toys, clothing
Angel Tree is a popular Christmas donation initiative of The Salvation Army. While collection periods have closed, parents who wish only for toys for their children can visit the toy shop on Dec. 19 at the 521 Pembroke Road branch.
Parents who applied for help either have been called back with a date to pick up gifts and shop at the toy shop or will be contacted soon, but the toy shop will be open to parents looking for only toys. New toys will be accepted for the toy shop at any time, for walk-in shoppers not on a list.
Major Karen Peabody heads the Bethlehem branch and says close to 600 children's wishes were distributed to this year. The requests for assistance is so great this year, likely due to the cost of living, that they were still taking gift requests past the mid-November cutoff.
"There are always ones who are desperate and will come in, and of course, we'll help," Peabody said.
Call 610-867-4681 for help or visit https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/eastern-pennsylvania/bethlehem/.
Toys for Tots Lehigh Valley is accepting request applications until Dec. 10. Recipients who have completed an application will be contacted by Dec. 15. Toy distributions will occur between Dec. 1-20:
- If you are a family in need of toys and clothing, ask for help at https://allentown-pa.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/local-toy-request-single-form.aspx
- If you are a nonprofit or agency, ask for help at https://allentown-pa.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/local-toy-request-form.aspx
- To directly contact area coordinators, visit https://allentown-pa.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/local-contact-us.aspx
- Call Coordinator Staff Sgt. Davis Schauer for more information: 484-460-4841 or email t4tallentown@gmail.com.
The Lehigh Valley Chapter of The Ancient Order of Hibernians hosts “Joe's Kids Toy Party,” Sat., Dec. 7 from 2-6 p.m. at Bru Daddy's Brewing Company, 732 Hamilton St., Allentown.
Admission is $10 and an unwrapped toy. Free for kids aged 12 and under. Includes food and refreshments. The Rogue Diplomats and The O'Grady Quinlan Academy of Irish Dance will entertain.
- It is a toy collection event. Toys are then distributed throughout the community to all denominations by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Allentown, to its existing program clientele.
- Those not attending can order a toy online and have it shipped to Catholic Charities of Allentown, 402 W. Chew Street, Allentown, 18102.
Food pantries, soup kitchens, drives
Everlasting Life Ministries, 224 N. Sixth Street, Allentown: Holiday dinner has been taking place for over 40 years. Serving 1200 meals in a day, the meals take place 1 week before each major holiday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter and in two settings 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. https://www.elmallentown.org/
Lehigh County lists 30 food pantries in Allentown, 16 in Bethlehem, 11 in Easton, and 10 in its other municipalities. Find help here.
New Bethany Ministries Southside Drop-In Center: Free dine-in brunch on Christmas Day. 341 W. Fourth Street, at the corner of 4th and Wyandotte streets. All are welcome. Christmas Day, December 25, 2024, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
Gifts for the children from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. 610-691-5602.
Pennsylvania 211: Dial 211 or text your zip code to 898-211.
PA 211 is a service that provides information and referrals to essential community resources for low-income families and individuals in Pennsylvania. Find assistance with housing, food, healthcare, mental health services, utility bills and more. It is a free, confidential service available 24/7, and is available to all residents of Pennsylvania.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley and N.E. Pennsylvania: https://shfblv.org/find-food/
Slater Family Network: Nonprofit foundation for individuals' and families' basic needs, free and confidential, open to the Bangor Area School District. Families or individuals must contact the office.
https://slaterfamilynetwork.org/about-us
Trinity Episcopal Church
Offers a free holiday meal on Saturday, December 18. The church is located at 234 Spring Garden Street, Easton.
Valor Clinic Foundation, 1130 Scenic Drive, Kunkletown, provides no-cost holiday meals to veteran families in crisis. Provides a complete day's meals, from breakfast to dessert after dinner. 570-664-6468 or https://valorclinic.org/contact.
This list will continue to be updated.
If you have a suggestion or resource to add to this list, please email us at news@lehighvalleynews.com and put "Holiday Help" in the subject line.
