Kansas City Metro Area Thanksgiving and Christmas Assistance Programs
Holiday help, ranging from Thanksgiving to Christmas assistance, is available across the Kansas City Metro area. Most of the charities that operate these programs only provide services to a limited area, however, there are options in all counties. More information is below on where to turn to for food baskets or Christmas assistance in Jackson, Cass, Clay, or Platte County.
The programs available tend to be either Adopt a Family or toy giveaways. Due to this, there is also a need for further donations and participation of the greater Kansas City, Missouri community. Everything from gift cards, educational toys, DVDs, games, and more are always in demand.
Families in need of help at the holidays need to register on time. While the goal is to provide each family a meal and each child a gift, due to the demand on the charities this is not always possible. Below is the current list of resources available:
LUMA (Lutheran Urban Mission Agency)
4205 Tracy Ave. KCMO 64110 | 816-844-5900
The non-profit runs a Holiday- Christmas store. This allows low to moderate income individuals and families to shop at a reduced price for any needed gifts. This agency serves individuals living in the following zip codes: 64109,64110, 64127, 64128, 64130.
City Union Mission
1700 E 8th St KCMO 64106 | 816-329-1444
Small Christmas gifts are provided to qualified applicants. Women, including single moms, as well as children from low income families can get help.
Community Services League Holiday Programs
There are several centers in the region, including counties of Jackson, Clay, and others. Assistance is available at Christmas. There may be winter coats, toys for young children, support for households in poverty, and other holiday assistance.
Christ United Methodist Church
14506 E 39th st. Independence, MO 64055 | 816-254-8209
Community Service League
404 N Noland Rd, Independence, MO 64050 | 816-254-4100
Grace United Church
801 Benton Blvd. KCMO 64124 | 816-231-5745
Each Thanksgiving and Christmas, Holiday Meal Bags, containing a complete ready to make meal, are offered to those that need temporary assistance over the holiday.
Della Lamb Community Services- Operation Thanksgiving/ Operation Christmas
500 Woodland Ave. KCMO 64106 | 816-842-8040
Della Lamb’s annual Operation Thanksgiving, typically the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, continues to be one of the largest food distribution efforts in the Kansas City area. We provide 1,200+ low-income families with everything needed to make a festive and joyous Thanksgiving.
Della Lamb’s annual Operation Santa Claus, which typically begins the second Friday in December, provides 1,200+ low-income families and 2,200+ children toys, clothing, books and grocery items including a frozen turkey to celebrate the holidays.
Operation Breakthrough
3039 Troost KCMO 64109 | 816-756-3511
Assistance provided to qualified low income families in the Kansas City Metro area at Christmas.
Raytown REAP
9300 E 75th Street KCMO 64138 | 816-356-0054
REAP offers a variety of resources to help families in the Raytown area during times of need. To be eligible for assistance the entire household must be within the current federal financial poverty guidelines, reside in the Raytown C-2 School District, and provide the required documentation.
Hope Network: Gifts of Hope Christmas Assistance
10500 E 350 Highway Raytown, MO 64138 | 816-778-1105
The Hope Network Gifts of Hope program provides Christmas gifts for children who otherwise have nothing to open on Christmas morning. Along with providing these gifts, Hope Network hosts a Christmas party for the children and their families where they are entertained, presented the Christmas story, fed a meal and receive one unwrapped toy from Toys For Tots
