Holiday Assistance in Arizona: Free Gifts, Meals & Support Programs
You want the holidays to feel joyful, not stressful. But for many Arizona families, this season adds extra pressure: gift lists, school celebrations, holiday meals, and higher household costs.
If your family needs support this Christmas, you’re not alone. Across Arizona, trusted programs offer free toys, gifts, meals, and seasonal resources to help make the holiday a little brighter. Below are the most widely available programs and simple ways to find additional help in your community.
Holiday gift assistance in Arizona
Arizona families can access several trusted programs that provide free gifts, toys, and holiday support for families during Christmas.
Angel Tree (Salvation Army)
Angel Tree helps families make the holidays special by providing free toys, clothing, and gifts for children and seniors.
Registration
Registration usually opens in early November, and spots fill quickly.
In some areas of Arizona, you can register online.
Some AZ locations require an invitation or an in-person application.
Contact your local Salvation Army to check if there are open spots and the best way to apply.
Requirements
Families typically need to provide:
ID for the parent/guardian
Proof of Arizona residency
Each child’s age, clothing sizes, and wish list
A working phone number for pickup updates
Gift pickup dates are usually scheduled 1–2 weeks before Christmas.
Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots provides new, unwrapped toys for children ages 0–12. Most Arizona counties participate each year.
Registration
Registration typically opens in October and closes in December, but the exact dates can shift depending on donations.
Start by finding your local chapter on the Toys for Tots website.
Complete the online request form for your local Arizona campaign.
Some counties offer walk-in pickup events if online registration is full.
Requirements
Requirements differ by location, but usually include:
Parent or guardian ID
Proof of residency (AZ address)
Names and ages of each child requesting toys
Confirmation email or screenshot of online registration
Most families receive 1–3 toys per child, depending on donations.
Local Toy Drives & Community Christmas Programs in AZ
Many Arizona communities host their own Christmas assistance events, especially in early and mid-December when families may have missed early sign-ups for national programs.
Some local Arizona programs include:
Chandler Care Center & United Food Bank Annual Toy Drive – Mesa
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest Toy Drive – Maricopa
Because these programs vary by year and county, the best way to find active programs is to reach out within the community. Contact local organizations to find additional Christmas gift assistance in your area of Arizona, including:
Churches
Community centers
Schools
Nonprofits
Local Facebook groups
Holiday meal assistance in Arizona
Several organizations across Arizona provide free Christmas meals, food boxes, and pantry items to help families prepare a holiday dinner without extra cost.
Arizona Christmas meal boxes & food pantries
These food banks and community organizations in AZ often provide holiday food boxes or meal kits:
Registration
Many Arizona food banks require advance registration for Christmas boxes and open holiday sign-ups in late November or early December.
Some require appointments; others allow walk-ins.
Drive-thru pickups are available at some Arizona locations.
Contact your local food bank for information on what is required to register.
Some pantries allow walk-ins while supplies last.
Requirements
Most programs request:
Photo ID
Proof of AZ address
A pickup appointment time
Enough room in your car for the meal box
Local community Christmas meals in Arizona
Nonprofits across Arizona host annual free Christmas dinners and holiday meal events.
Reach out to local food banks for information on other special holiday meal events.
How to find Arizona holiday assistance near you
Since programs change from year to year, the most reliable way to find active Christmas assistance programs in Arizona is by checking real-time sources. Explore the resources below to find other opportunities for Christmas help:
Local Facebook groups
Your child’s school or Head Start program
Local churches and nonprofits
Many organizations announce gift assistance and meal events closer to Christmas, so checking back often can help you catch last-minute opportunities.
Nest is here for your family, too
The holidays can bring extra pressure, from keeping kids healthy to finding the support your family needs. At Nest, our mission is to make life easier by bringing healthcare home and removing the barriers families face every day. If you’ve been contacted by Nest or believe your family may qualify for our in-home or virtual care, call us at 866-222-NEST (6378).
