Holiday Assistance in Louisiana: Free Gifts, Meals & Support Programs
The holidays should feel joyful, not stressful. But for many families, this time of year brings extra pressure: gift lists, holiday meals, school events, and the growing cost of just getting through the month.
If your family needs support this Christmas, you’re not alone. Across Louisiana, trusted programs offer free toys, gifts, food, and holiday resources to help make the season brighter. We’ve gathered the most widely available programs along with simple ways to find additional help in your community.
Holiday gift assistance in Louisiana
Louisiana families can access several trusted programs that help make Christmas brighter with free gifts, toys, and holiday support for families.
Louisiana Angel Tree (Salvation Army)
Angel Tree helps families make Christmas special by providing free gifts, clothing, and toys for children and seniors.
Registration
Registration usually opens in November, and spots fill quickly.
You can register online in some areas of Louisiana.
Some Louisiana 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 LA residency
Each child’s age, clothing sizes, and wish list
A working phone number for pickup updates
After registration, families receive a pickup date and location. Gifts are usually distributed 1–2 weeks before Christmas.
Toys for Tots Louisiana
Toys for Tots provides new, unwrapped toys for children ages 0–12. Most Louisiana parishes participate.
Registration
Registration usually opens in October and closes in December, depending on donations.
Find your local chapter on the Toys for Tots website.
Complete the online request form for your local Louisiana campaign.
Some parishes offer walk-in pickup events if online registration is full.
Requirements
Requirements differ by chapter, but typically include:
Parent or guardian ID
Proof of residency (Louisiana address)
Names and ages of each child requesting toys
Confirmation email or screenshot of online registration
Families often receive 1–3 toys per child, depending on donations.
Local Toy Drives & Community Christmas Programs in LA
Many Louisiana communities host their own Christmas gift assistance events, especially in early and mid-December when families may have missed early sign-ups for national programs.
Some local Louisiana programs include:
Because these programs vary by parish, 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, including:
Churches
Community centers
Schools
Nonprofits
Local Facebook groups
Holiday meal assistance in Louisiana
Several organizations across Louisiana offer free Christmas meals, food boxes, and pantry items to help families prepare a holiday dinner without extra cost.
Louisiana Christmas meal boxes & food pantries
Several food banks and community organizations provide Christmas food boxes, including pantry items, shelf-stable sides, and holiday ingredients.
Registration
Registration windows typically open the last week of November or early December.
Many food banks require advance registration for Christmas boxes.
Some offer drive-thru pickup at scheduled times.
Others partner with churches and local nonprofits for distribution events.
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 LA address
A pickup appointment time
Enough room in your car for the meal box
Local community Christmas meals in Louisiana
Nonprofits across Louisiana host free Christmas dinners and holiday meal events.
Reach out to local food banks for information on other special holiday meal events.
How to find Louisiana holiday assistance near you
Because programs change every year, the best way to find current Christmas support 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 toy drives and meal giveaways closer to the holiday, 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).
