You're probably wondering why I'm writing this in late September. Really, am I getting like Costco, that has Christmas stuff up already? No, I just know what I know--that the Christmas clearing houses (or Christmas coordinating councils) start to gear up in October. These are the local organizations that coordinate charity work for the poor during the Christmas season. They take applications, vet people for eligibility, and try to get them in touch with other organizations that collect food, clothing, and toys so that the poor have a decent Christmas.
That means that if you think you will need their help, you should probably try around the middle of October, through the middle of November. But how do you know where to go? Veteran poor people know how to navigate the system, but the Great Recession has created people that don't know the ropes, and try climbing the ropes too late to get much help. This goes for holiday help, heating help, or just about anything. If you think you need the help of one of these organizations this year, here's how to start--hopefully, not too close to the holidays:
In the Toledo area, call 211 for holiday food and gifts, and the United Way will send you to the appropriate agency. The regional Toys for Tots number for northwest Ohio is 419 666-6992. They note at the Toys for Tots website that you may be eligible to receive food at one organization, and toys at another, but not the same type of charity aid from more than one organization.
First, the biggest organization of this sort in the U.S. is the Salvation Army. Their local branches often function as the CCH's in their communities. You can go to their website and enter your zip code in the search box to find the nearest one. They may have a formal intake procedure and invite you to come and fill out some forms. Another way to search for a local organization is to put "christmas clearing house" or "christmas coordinating council" and the name of your town in Google. Another is to call 211, IF you live in an area where you can find social services by dialing 211. Find out by searching at this website. Another organization that gives toys to children is Toys for Tots. Their page has a website to help you find your local branch. Another way to find help is a nearby church, which is probably working with a local Christmas clearing house.
That means that if you think you will need their help, you should probably try around the middle of October, through the middle of November. But how do you know where to go? Veteran poor people know how to navigate the system, but the Great Recession has created people that don't know the ropes, and try climbing the ropes too late to get much help. This goes for holiday help, heating help, or just about anything. If you think you need the help of one of these organizations this year, here's how to start--hopefully, not too close to the holidays:
In the Toledo area, call 211 for holiday food and gifts, and the United Way will send you to the appropriate agency. The regional Toys for Tots number for northwest Ohio is 419 666-6992. They note at the Toys for Tots website that you may be eligible to receive food at one organization, and toys at another, but not the same type of charity aid from more than one organization.
First, the biggest organization of this sort in the U.S. is the Salvation Army. Their local branches often function as the CCH's in their communities. You can go to their website and enter your zip code in the search box to find the nearest one. They may have a formal intake procedure and invite you to come and fill out some forms. Another way to search for a local organization is to put "christmas clearing house" or "christmas coordinating council" and the name of your town in Google. Another is to call 211, IF you live in an area where you can find social services by dialing 211. Find out by searching at this website. Another organization that gives toys to children is Toys for Tots. Their page has a website to help you find your local branch. Another way to find help is a nearby church, which is probably working with a local Christmas clearing house.
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