Northampton and Lehigh County free holiday assistance programs.
There are dozens of places to turn to for free Christmas as well as Thanksgiving assistance. Struggling Lehigh and Northampton families can get free Christmas gifts or toys for their children or they can receive a box of food for an entire holiday meal. There are also charities and non-profits that serve free turkey dinners, provide stocking stuffers to kids, small presents, and offer free items to the low income and working poor.
Most of the holiday programs in the greater Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton region (and throughout the counties) accept applications early. This means that anyone in need of free food for a holiday meal, or a gift for their kid, needs to apply early. Some of the main assistance programs in the region are Toys for tots for kids, Adopt a Family, and Angel Tree. All of them are listed below.
Salvation Army Allentown, Northampton and Lehigh County
There are multiple locations. One is at 144 North Eighth Street
Allentown, PA, 18101
Main number is 610-432-0129
There are many Holiday Assistance Programs and Social Services offered. They process applications to USMC toys for Tots. This will be free, new Christmas gifts or gift certificates. Low income households can also apply for Adopt a Family, which gives food, small gifts, presents, clothes, and more to the entire family.
The Salvation Army - Bethlehem Corps in Northampton County also offers many of the same assistance programs. Shelter, a thrift store, Angel Tree and Christmas toys, and more. A leading charity for the region, and the location is 521 Pembroke Road, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, 18018. Main number - 610-432-0128.
Or try The Salvation Army - Easton Corps at 1110 Northampton Street, Easton, Pennsylvania, 18042. Main number is 610-432-0128.
The Salvation Army - Pen Argyl Center is also available for Christmas or Thanksgiving help. Location is 301 W. Main Street, Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania, 18072. Call 610-432-0128.
Slater Family Network
267 Five Points Richmond Road
Bangor, Pennsylvania 18013
610-599-7019
Many assistance programs are run, including a free emergency food pantry, referrals to housing, health insurance information and more. But they do provide low income families and others with free groceries for a holiday meal. Small gifts and toys may also be given; as donations allow.
Northeast Ministry
Location is 1161 Fritz Drive
Bethlehem, PA, 18017
For information, dial 610-691-3355
Free Christmas gifts, presents, and more are for members of the Marvine-Pembroke low-income housing development only.
Families First and their Adopt-a-Family Giving Program
Location is 1620 Teels Road
Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania, 18072
Phone - 610-863-3688
The service is Adopt-a-Family Giving Program. Churches, charities, and other groups help the low income. Free Christmas toys (for boys and girls), computers, winter clothes, and more are offered. The elderly may also be given small presents for the holidays as well as people in nursing homes.
Toys for Tots application sites
All of the agencies below partner with the Marine Corps on this free Christmas program. Thousands of kids from struggling families are given free gifts, toys, clothing items, books, games, and more each year. It covers teenagers down to infants, with many single moms getting help for their kids. Apply for free Christmas gifts starting in October.
- Full Effect Gospel Ministries, Inc, 635 W Turner Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania, 18102. Main Phone: 917-494-0061
- Successful Start Ministries institute is located at 1101 Hamilton Street, suite 142, Allentown, Pennsylvania, 18101. Dial 484-200-8001
- Dream Come True of Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, 18002. They are in Northampton, Pennsylvania, 18002. Telephone - 610-509-4019.
Christmas or Thanksgiving food and meals only
The various churches, charities, and organizations below in either Lehigh or nearby Northampton County only offer holiday food. While many serve meals at both Thanksgiving and Christmas, some will only focus on one holiday. Hot dinners, free turkeys, toppings, dessert, and more may be offered. Or find other charities that give free Thanksgiving meals.
Allentown YMCA - Christmas Meal
Address is 425 South 15th Street
Allentown, Pennsylvania, 18102
Main number is 610-351-9622
Everlasting Life Ministries
Main address is 224 North 6th Street
Allentown, PA, 18102
Main number - 610-776-4009
The Christmas meal may have fruit, canned or baked goods, turkeys, and more. The low income, seniors, homeless, and others sere served. Volunteers may also deliver holiday meals to the homebound.
Jordan United Church of Christ
Address of the charity - 1837 Church Road
Allentown, Pennsylvania, 18104
610-395-2218 x215
Thanksgiving meals only, with take-out offered.
St James AME Zion Church
410 Union Street
Allentown, Pennsylvania, 18102
Thanksgiving meals, including deliveries to senior citizens, the sick, disabled, and homebound.
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Location is 206 East Main Street
Bath, Pennsylvania, 18014
Main number is 610-837-1061
Emmanuel EC Church
Primary address - 75 East Union Boulevard
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, 18018
610-868-3595
Both free food (so a family can make their own meal) as well as Easter, thanksgiving, and Christmas dinners are served. Anyone can drop in for help.
St. John’s United Church of Christ
15 South Second Street
Slatington, Pennsylvania, 18080
Telephone number - 610-767-5554
St. Stephen’s Outreach Center
Location is 1421 West Turner Street
Allentown, Pennsylvania, 18102
610-439-8821
New Bethany Ministries - Thanksgiving Meal
Main address is 341 West Fourth Street
Bethlehem, PA, 18015
610-691-5602 x210
St Paul’s Lutheran Church
Location is 36 South 8th Street
Allentown, Pennsylvania, 18102
610-435-9065
Volunteers prepare and serve holiday meals.
Trinity Church Ark Soup Kitchen
Address is 41 North Third Street
Easton, Pennsylvania, 18042
Phone - 610-253-0792
While they operate year round and serve lunches, dinners, and more, they also have a free dedicated Christmas meal.
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