Holiday assistance and Free Community Programs in Berks and Surrounding Areas

National program information is listed at the bottom.

• Always check your local libraries and search for community events online – there may not be availability anymore for gift applications, but some events hand out items. Also check your local police station and fire company as they may have events, as well as churches.

• I spent hours creating this list and went through a lot of data and there is still so much more! Always do a search for “holiday program +…..” and add special need, illness, disability, veteran status, etc. as there are a ton of specific programs nationally and locally.

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Ark of Safety Christian Church:

3875 Poplar Street

Philadelphia, PA 19104

(267) 403-2124

https://allevents.in/philadelphia/christmas-toy-giveaway/10000741614798827

• Free children’s holiday gift giveaway for children ages one through sixteen.
• Limited to four children each per family and child must be present.
• December 9^th 12:00pm to 2:00pm.
• Visit link or call to confirm availability.

Autism Virtually:

1139 Centre Street

Ashland, PA 17921

Autismvirtually@gmail.com

*Appears to be held at https://www.crossfireyouthcenter.org/#say-hello

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/neurodivergent-and-special-needs-christmas-party-tickets-761767987557?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

• December 17^th 1:00pm to 4:00pm
• Event for special needs/neurodivergent/Autism Spectrum children and adults of all ages that includes Santa visits, hot cocoa, snacks and activities and games.
• You can RVSP at the link or drop in.
• I couldn’t find event information online elsewhere nor on the website – I advise e-mailing and calling to verify information.

Boyertown Area Multi-Service:

200 West Spring Street

Boyertown, PA 19512

(610) 367-6957

http://www.boyertownareamulti-service.org/

• Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm.
• For residents of the Boyertown Area School District, income based.
• Call to review the holiday gift assistance program.

Calvary Christian Church:

6000 Roosevelt Boulevard

Philadelphia, PA

(215) 288-2880

http://www.Calvaryccphilly.org

https://allevents.in/philadelphia/christmas-at-calvary/10000752901206777

• Free Christmas event and gift away for children – child must be present
• December 21^st 6:00pm to 7:30pm

Capital Area Dream Center:

2400 North 6^th Street

Harrisburg, PA 17110

(717) 448-7259

https://www.capitalareadc.org/

• Children newborn to age twelve in the Dauphin County.
• Pre-Registration for toys, call to review.
• Giveaway event Saturday December 9^th 11:00am to 2:00pm (call to review).

Christmas on the Mountain:

459 North 14^th Street

Reading, PA 19604

https://readingschristmasonthemountain.com/

• Free holiday activity with Christmas lights and concession stands, as well as a free meeting with Santa and for $5.00, you can receive a photo with Santa.
• Open daily through December 23^rd – Sunday through Thursday 5:00pm to 9:00pm and Friday and Saturdays 5:00pm to 10:00pm.

Christmas Party in the Park:

Center Park Historic District

700 block Centre Avenue

Reading, PA 19601

https://www.centreparkhistoricdistrict.org/events/christmas-party-in-the-park-1

• December 2^nd from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, a free event for families with a free tree lighting, visits with Santa, sing carols and have free hot chocolate and popcorn available.

Christmas in the Air:

2385 Bernville Road

Reading, PA 19605

https://readingairport.org/christmas-in-the-air-1

• This is a free activity on December 9^th from 8:00am to 12:00pm at the airport which offers games, activities, vendors, and food and free airplane rides for children 8 to 17 years old and have Santa at the event.

Christy Recreation Center:

728 South 55^th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19143

(215) 921-2552

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/annual-holiday-of-hope-community-giveaway-tickets-756520090957?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

• Free activities, food, free coats for children and adults, toys for children.
• First come, first serve basis – recommended to register to assist with attendance and assuring enough supplies.

Clay on Main:

313 Main Street

Oley, PA 19547

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/snowy-december-open-house-and-free-craft-tickets-743135998777

• Free craft activity and ugly sweater contest, as well as ability to shop for items at the location.

Community Reach:

15 First Avenue

Red Lion, PA 17356

(717) 244-6934

https://www.commreach.org/other-services.html

• Holiday services for those residing in the Red Lion, Dallastown and Eastern York school districts.
• Monday through Friday 9:00am to 2:00pm.
• Call to review on services

Connections Work:

19 North 6^th Street, 4^th Floor

Reading, PA 19601

(484) 260-3860

https://www.connectionswork.org/

• Services are for children with parents who have justice-involvement services as a client or individuals referred to them by affiliated agencies. Sign up begins in September.
• For more information on their services and potential assistance, call to review possible needs for intake/assistance.

Core Health Chiropractic:

1057 Van Reed Road

Reading, PA 19605

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sensory-santa-tickets-739525670187?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

• Santa activity for sensory/neurodivergent/special needs population.
• December 2^nd 10:00am to 2:00pm

Dear Santa Society:

Delaware Valley Region:

West Chester, PA 19381

(610) 630-3929

https://www.dearsantasociety.org/

• Submission deadline is in November; services have a Santa letter and gift program.

DOTF – Christmas at Hogwarts:

119 Berkley Road Unit B

Clarksboro, NJ 08020

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/day-1-christmas-at-hogwarts-dotf-2023-tickets-766556098927?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

• This is a free event in New Jersey but such an awesome experience, I wanted to share it! You must register for a time slot and there are three sessions on December 9^th – 2:30pm to 4:30pm, 5:00pm to 7:00pm and 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Tickets are still available.

Ephrata Area Social Services:

277 North State Street

Ephrata, PA 17522

(717) 733-0345

https://www.ephrataareasocialservices.org/

• Children sixteen years old and younger, doesn’t mention requirements but likely within Northern Lancaster county.
• Monday thru Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm.

Families First:

1620 Teels Road

Pen Argyl, PA 18072

(610) 863-3817

https://www.familiesfirstofpenargyl.org/services

• Holiday gift program available to families residing within the Pen Argyl School district for children newborn through sixteen years old.
• The hours are Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm, evenings by appointment.

Family Service Of:

Coatesville:

1001 East Lincoln Highway

Coatesville, PA 19320

(610) 696-4900

Kennett Square:

106 West State Road

Kennett Square, PA 19348

(610) 696-4900

https://www.familyservice.us/

• No statement of restrictions, running food and gift drives – call to review/schedule.

First Presbyterian Church of York:

225 East Market Street

York, PA 17403

(717) 848-8869

https://www.caringministryfpc.com/

• Serving residents of York County. Call for review on assistance with gifts or services available.
• Monday through Thursday 9:00am to 3:00pm.

Fleetwood Area Public Library:

110 West Arch Street #112

Fleetwood, PA 19522

(610) 944-0146

https://www.berkslibraries.org/events/31564

• Free activity for families with a tree lighting ceremony and activities for children, as well as story time with Mrs. Clause and cookies and hot cocoa served.
• December 1^st 6:00pm to 7:30pm

FV Church:

3185 York Road

Gettysburg, PA 17325

(717) 624-3411

https://fv.church/christmascare

• To apply for holiday support for gifts (November 5^th through December 18^th), visit their website and complete the registration form.
• Pick up is December 20^th 7:00pm to 8:00pm.

GCOB Fellowship Hall:

6601 Germantown Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19119

(267) 428-0116

https://allevents.in/philadelphia/touching-all-communities-26th-annual-christmas-toy-giveaway/10000740912548377?ref=eventlist-cat

• Free holiday activities and Christmas toy giveaway to children newborn to twelve years old.
• December 16th 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Gring’s Mill Recreation Area:

2083 Tulpehocken Road

Wyomissing, PA 19610

(610) 372-8939

https://www.visitpaamericana.com/event/holiday-lights-at-grings-mill/4500/

• Free to enter for families Friday December 1^st through December 17^th from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, December 18^th to December 23^rd Monday to Saturday and December 28^th to December 30^th at the same times.
• Sensory friendly night is December 13^th.
• Holiday craft market and Kid’s craft market December 9^th.
• Winter Solstice on December 21^st.
• Displays, music, food available, as well as free parking.

GT Church:

1110 Snyder Road

West Lawn, PA 19609

(610) 678-0266

https://www.christmasatgt.com/

• Christmas Spectacular with free music, games, activities, and a Christmas story on December 8^th at 7:00pm, December 9^th at 2:00pm and 6:00pm and December 10^th at 6:00pm.
• December 1^st through January 1^st, there is a drive through light event from 4:00pm to 9:00pm which is stated to last five hours (I would call to confirm/inquire on entire event or hours available).

Interfaith Friends – Wyoming County:

57 East Tioga Street

Tunkhannock, PA 18657

(570) 836-2428

https://interfaithfriendswc.org/

• Services for Wyoming residents only with income eligibility.
• Registration for gifts seen in October but still reach out, potential resources/assistance help.
• Monday thru Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm

Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund:

580 Virginia Drive Suite 110

Fort Washington, PA 19034

(215) 643-0763

https://dolanfund.org/hope-for-the-holidays-adopt-a-family/

• Gift program for low-income families with children with disabilities or an illness from newborn to eighteen and nineteen and up if the child is completely dependent on support.
• Monday through Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm. Call to review; online form for supports to complete which can be registered and complete here:

https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=dolanfund

Keystone Military Families:

331 Main Street

Shoemakersville, PA 19555

(610) 698-2122

Keystonemilitary@yahoo.com

https://keystonemilitaryfamilies.com/home/

Services are for any active duty, reserve or veterans in the state of PA or attached to a unit in PA. Immediate family members such as spouses and children are included up to age twenty-one if still in school and grandchildren are covered only if you are their legal guardian.

• Wednesdays and Saturdays 10:00am to 1:00pm.
• Call to review.

Lancaster County Project for the Needy:

(717) 291-5462

https://lcpn.org/?fbclid=IwAR2_FCwmEJawLdrm-0PM_v-8vIMd9FAYwbTa1Ur23XRn1KxKDl1GLoRXc4c

• Offers holiday food boxes for those in the Lancaster County
• Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm until December 8^th.

Marine Toys for Tots – Lebanon:

400 Locust Street

Lebanon, PA 17042

(717) 273-7942

https://lebanon-pa.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/request-toys.aspx

• Holiday gift program opens in October and has closed but may be able to provide information on other assistance in the area.
• Ages newborn to fifteen years old.

*You can find your local Toys for Tots center here:

https://www.toysfortots.org/request-a-toy/

Mason-Dixon Community Services:

5 Pendyrus Street, Suite 2

Delta, PA 17314

(717) 456-5559

https://www.mason-dixon.org/holiday_giving/

• Services assist individuals in the Mason Dixon service area on finding gift programs available, but services state assistance to those from others in the county to reach out if need and will try to assist with gift programs in your area.
• Monday through Thursday 9:00am to 12:00pm, Monthly 1rst Thursday 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

Muhlenburg Community Library:

3612 Kutztown Road

Reading, PA 19605

(610) 929-0589

https://www.berkslibraries.org/events/28838

• December 2^nd, 2023, 11:00am to 2:00pm
• Free activities with visits with Santa, Grinch craft activities and story time, music, holiday movie, basket raffle.

Noble Street Food & Pet Pantry:

Friend, Inc. Community Services

658D Noble Street

Kutztown, PA 19530

(610) 683-7790

info@friendinc.org

https://www.friendinc.org/services/

• Holiday gift program is available to those registered with the food pantry and clients of services.

Open Link:

Offices in Pennsburg, PA and East Greenville, PA.

https://www.theopenlink.org/services/back-to-school-holiday-programs/holiday-programs/

• Services do not state locational criteria – people in need of gift assistance are stated to contact Laura at (215) 679-4112 or e-mail at laurad@theopenlink.org

Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center:

35 North Third Street

Oxford, PA 19363

(610) 869-8557

https://www.oxfordnsc.org/events

• Program available to Oxford Area residents and income based.
• Children seventeen years old and younger.
• Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. Call to review.

Pennsburg Open Link – Holiday Program:

452 Penn Street

Pennsburg, PA 18073

(215) 679-4112

*Main office

https://www.theopenlink.org/

• Holiday assistance for the Upper Perkiomen School District and income based.
• Contact Laura at (215) 679-4112 or e-mail at Laurad@theopenlink.org for gift assistance.
• https://www.theopenlink.org/services/back-to-school-holiday-programs/holiday-programs/

Phoenixville Area Community Services:

101 Buchanan Street

Phoenixville, PA 19460

(610) 933-1105

https://www.pacsphx.org/

• Services Phoenixville Borough, Schuylkill Township, East Pikeland Township, West Pikeland Township, Mont Clare, and Oaks.
• Monday through Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm and Saturdays 9:00am to 11:00am.
• Holiday gift assistance, call to review.

Pleasant Grove Church:

3909 Lancaster Avenue

Philadelphia, PA

info@kampforkids.org

https://www.kampforkids.org/pleasant-grove-church-christmas

• Free gifts for children – register for a household (just once no matter how many children)
• December 9^th 11:00am to 3:00pm – time for parents to pick up gifts (do not bring children)

Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities:

57 North Franklin Street

Pottstown, PA 19464

(610) 970-5995

https://www.pottstowncluster.org/2023holidayprogram/

• Website mentions currently full for applications, call to review for potential assistance.
• Program available for Pottstown residents with children up to age seventeen.

Reading City Church:

644 Penn Avenue

West Reading, PA 19611

(610) 372-2034

https://www.readingcitychurch.com/

• December 1^st, cookies and milk with Santa and Mrs. Clause after the tree lighting ceremony. There will also be pizza and a gingerbread house building competition in the evening.
• Visit the website to register for attendance.
• The location also works with Angel Tree – call to review if availability yet for gift support.

Reading Public Library:

100 South 5^th Street

Reading, PA 19602

(610) 655-6350

https://www.berkslibraries.org/events/31255

• Free wreath making activity December 2^nd, 2023, from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
• While supplies last, drop in.
• Part of a 12 days of Christmas event – there are other activities such as a snow globe craft, cookie decorating and other events. Call or visit the link to review other events the following days.

Reading Public Museum:

500 Museum Road

Reading, PA 19611

(610) 371-5850

https://www.readingpublicmuseum.org/santa

• December 9^th 9:00am to 11:00am, registration will be available on the website soon.
• Activities include photos with Santa and Mrs. Clause and receive crafts to take home and partake in other activities at the event.
• Free for members and children 3 and under, non-member pricing with Adults at $10, seniors and students/ages four through seventeen at $6.

Re/MAX of Reading

1290 Broadcasting Road

Wyomissing, PA 19610

(610) 670-2770

https://allevents.in/reading/cookie-decorating-and-photos-with-santa-%F0%9F%8D%AA%F0%9F%8E%85/200025576376733

• Hosting a free event for families to come and decorate cookies and take photos with Santa.

Saint Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church:

839 West Market Street

York, PA 17401

(717) 817-5480

https://www.stmatt.org/

• Monday, December 25^th, 2023 11:00am to 3:00am, there will a Christmas meal and clothing, coats and toys will be available. Call for more information.

Spring-Ford Project Outreach:

410 Washington Street

Royersford, PA 19468

(610) 948-5111

https://spring-fordprojectoutreach.org/

• Holiday program available for children newborn to fourteen years old that live within the Spring-Ford area school district.
• Office hours are Monday through Friday 9:00am to 3:00pm.

Terre Hill Christmas in the Park:

210 Lancaster Ave

Terre Hill, PA 17581

(717) 445-4581

https://www.discoverlancaster.com/events/terre-hill-christmas-in-the-park-3/

• December 1st through 3^rd and the 8^th through the 10^th, 5:00pm to 8:30pm.
• Free activities for families, Christmas themed walk through the park, Santa, crafts, music, ice sculpting and other activities.

Victory Christian Center of Philadelphia:

5220 Whitby Ave

Philadelphia, PA 19143

(215) 474-2717 Ex: 119

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christmas-at-victory-village-tickets-744390260307

• Call to register for event, program provides coats, a book and a toy or game to children who attend.

VFW Post 9788:

324 Sawmill Lane

Horsham, PA 19044

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/post-9788-santas-winter-wonderland-tickets-757297937517?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

• December16th 2023 10:00am to 12:00pm
• Free evet for families, photos with Santa and Mrs. Clause, activities – visit link to register.
• Children are encouraged to provide a self-addressed and stamped envelope with a letter for Santa so replies can be sent.

Volunteers of America:

2112 Walnut Street

Harrisburg, PA 17103

(717) 236-1440

https://www.voapa.org

• Holiday program for low-income families with children up to age fourteen. Call to review.
• Monday through Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm.
• Potentially only services those in the Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lebanon, Lancaster, Perry and York counties.

Waynesboro Community and Human Services:

123 Walnut Street

Waynesboro, PA 17268

(717) 762-6941

https://wchs-pa.org/christmas-1

• Holiday program that is income based, doesn’t mention location based.
• Christmas food box pick up is December 15^th 10:00am to 1:00pm curbside.
• Gift pick-up not assigned, call for scheduling and intake.

West Reading Fire Department:

223 Playground Drive

West Reading, PA 19611

(610) 372-9621

https://allevents.in/reading/kiddie-christmas-party-2023/200025851439646

• Hosting a Christmas event for children who are ten and under and residents of West Reading Non West Reading residents can visit for Santa, but cannot visit the toy room.
• Suggested to pre-register which can be found here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfpZu_L_ap4Mgd2Te93ieaG2La6ggwAGHEE9fcd2kJOhI-xmA/viewform

Zion’s Church:

770 Zion Church Road

Hamburg, PA 19526

(610) 562-2300

https://zionschurch.org/

• A free Christmas activity that involves a life size Candyland which you and your family will play together.
• December 2^nd 1:00pm to 4:00pm – can arrive anytime during the event but it is recommended to arrive at least an hour before the end time to visit all the locations created at the event.

National Programs:

Assistance League:

https://www.assistanceleague.org/

• Assistance League has local centers that have assistance with gift and holiday support, as well as resources. Review their website for locations near you, if available.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation:

https://myasdf.org/gift-card-application/

• Gift card applications for the holidays generally open in October of the year and close when at capacity.
• If in an emergency and caring for someone Autistic or have Autism yourself, you can reach out for resources and potential assistance.
• There is a summer camp assistance program, as well.

Be An Elf:

https://beanelf.org/seeking-gifts/

• Potential gift assistance if letter is written between November 11^th and December 11^th – there is no guarantee the child will be selected.
• Program is ran through USPS.
• For Santa gift requests, letters should be mailed with valid postage to:

Santa Claus
123 Elf Road
North Pole 88888

• For letters to Santa only, letters can be addressed to Santa and the North Pole for the address.

Catholic Charities:

https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/

• Some local chapters have holiday programs and assistance. You can visit their website to find more information about what your local one may assist with for Holiday support.

Lions Club:

https://www.lionsclubs.org/en

• Holiday assistance and programs available through-out clubs, you can find your local one on their website to see what is available in your area or reach out directly to them for more information and resources.

Marine Toys for Tots:

https://www.toysfortots.org/request-a-toy/

• Work with multiple organizations to distribute toys for children, you can find your local center by visiting the link and calling to inquire on services available in your area.

Operation Homefront:

https://operationhomefront.org/

• Operation Homefront has holiday services, among others, for families of those in the military or veterans. You must register and can find local centers, as well, on their website.

Prison Fellowship – Angel Tree:

https://www.prisonfellowship.org/about/angel-tree/angel-tree-christmas/

• Services are available for children with parents incarcerated. Sign up deadlines are in October, but you can find your local center and more information with potential assistance online.

Salvation Army

https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/

• Holiday assistance for children.
• Salvation Army gift assistance registration is usually late October/early November but still reach out to review if any other assistance is available such as meal assistance for the holiday or other potential resources for gifts.
• Find your local center by visiting the link.

Society of Saint Vincent de Paul:

https://ssvpusa.org/assistance-services/?_ga=2.160265341.1978513526.1701351177-1936175919.1701351173

• Society of Saint Vincent de Paul has multiple locations nationally and has some assistance programs for the holidays, as well as other services. You can find more information and locational needs by visiting their website.

Task Force Kingle:

https://www.22untilnone.org/task-force-kringle

• Applications open October 1rst through October 31rst.
• Must be applied for by a veteran with eligible children under eighteen living in the same household with a VA disability rating of 30% or more and have a DD214 form or form 2 showing honorable discharge and proof of financial hardship. You can receive assistance once in a lifetime.