Here’s Help For The Holidays
Where to get free meals and toy giveaways. And opportunities to help the needy.
The Salvation Army collects toys to give to children in need for the holidays. (Photo provided by Salvation Army)
We’ve compiled a list of holiday events and giveaways during this holiday season.
And we also provide information on how you can donate your money or time.
Meals
Free Christmas Meal Delivery: Monday, Dec. 25
Moms Matter is planning to deliver 500 meals on Christmas Day, Monday, Dec. 25, to moms and families in need in the 53206 zip code and around Milwaukee. Sign up by Thursday, Dec. 21 by emailing momsmatter24@gmail.com with your household name, number of meals, phone number and address. More information here.
Washington Park Christmas Dinner Giveaway: Monday, Dec. 25
Free, heat-and-serve meals will be available for pick up from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 25 at Rooted & Rising – Washington Park, 3940 W. Lisbon Ave., with registration. More information here.
The Salvation Army Christmas Family Feast: Monday, Dec. 25
The Salvation Army will provide free meals while supplies last at the Baird Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 25. Volunteers can register to help with the feast. New toy donations are accepted year-round at the Toy Shop Distribution Center, 5880 N. 60th St., from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. More information here.
Toy drives and giveaways
2023 Holiday Toy Event: Thursday, Dec. 21
Native children 18 and younger can receive toys from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21 at Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center, 930 W. Historic Mitchell St. Families must complete an application to participate. Applications received after Dec. 15 cannot be guaranteed. The center is also accepting winter apparel and donations through Dec. 20. More information here.
Northcott Neighborhood House Third Annual Tis the Season Family Event: Sunday, Dec. 25
Northcott Neighborhood House will give away gifts and pre-made meals from Big Daddy’s BBQ and Soul Food from 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Dec. 25 at 2460 N. 6th St. No registration is required. Volunteers are also needed. More information here.
Coat drives
Brown Berets Wisconsin Coat Drive: Through Tuesday, Jan. 30
Brown Berets Wisconsin is collecting coats until Tuesday, Jan. 30 at El Conquistador Latino Newspaper, 4531 W. Forest Home Ave. and all El Rey locations. Monetary donations are also being accepted; $20 will cover the cost of one new coat. More information here.
More opportunities to help
Capuchin Community Services needs volunteers to help with its toy drive distribution and other services at House of Peace, 1702 W. Walnut St. More information here.
Tikkun Ha-Ir has opportunities to sort holiday gift drive donations and deliver them to local agencies. More information here.
Visit United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County’s Season of Caring 2023 calendar for more local volunteering opportunities. More information here.
UPDATED: From free meals to coat drives, how you can keep the holiday season affordable in Milwaukee was originally published by the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.
