Free Meals and Gifts for the Holidays

The holiday season can feel absolutely magical, but some years it can also feel like a burden. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of organizations that can help with the cost of food and holiday presents. You don’t have to do this alone.

If you would like to add your organization or nonprofit to this list, send us a DM on Instagram.

Oregon Food Bank

The Oregon Food Bank has a handy zip code search tool to help you find meal sites and food pantries near you.

Sunshine Division

Sunshine Division delivers holiday meals and provides immediate food relief. Request a food box on their website.

Clackamas Service Center

Clackamas Service Center offers groceries, including delivery and in-person meal service.

Metropolitan Family Services

Metropolitan Family Services runs five food pantries per week in three school districts: David Douglas, Reynolds, and Centennial.

Neighborhood House

To access the free food market at Neighborhood House, your income must fall below 300% of the poverty level. For example, for a family of four, your household income would need to be $72,750 per year or less. You don’t have to verify your income, just list it. Free food markets run three days a week, on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Blanchet House

You may attend one of the meal services prepared by professional cooks at Blanchet House, or pick up a sack lunch to take home on Saturdays.

Potluck in the Park

For 30 years, Potluck in the Park has provided Christmas dinner to Portlanders. Head to the Portland Art Museum on Christmas, from noon to 3 pm, for a free holiday meal shared with the community. There will be live jazz and a Santa visit, too! Only volunteers need to register.

Family Promise of Greater Washington County

Family Promise of Greater Washington County serves families suffering from, or at risk of homelessness. They offer services to the communities of Beaverton (including the entire Beaverton School District), Aloha, Hillsboro, Cornelius, Forest Grove, and Banks. You may reach out to them at info@fpgwc.org  or  (971) 217-8949.

Catholic Charities of Oregon

Reach out the the Catholic Charities of Oregon for a variety of support services:

• Family Support: 503-238-5196
• Housing Transitions: 971-222-1880
• Immigration Legal Services: 503-542-2855
• Refugee Services: 971-222-1883
• For all other services: 503-231-4866

Toys for Tots Partners

You can’t directly request toys from Toys for Tots, but you can reach out to their partner organizations to request a toy.

KGW Toy Drive

As with Toys for Tots, rather than reach out to KGW directly, instead contact one of their partner organizations to request a toy. As of this writing, their nonprofit page is a form for nonprofits to sign up, but eventually they will list participating nonprofits there.

Salvation Army

Salvation Army typically takes holiday requests in September, but they offer services year-round. If you’ve missed the holiday window, keep them in mind for next year. Use the location finder on their website to find your local branch.

Live Love NW

This group offers year-round support for families in Portland and SW Washington including those experiencing homelessness or other life-changing events. During the Christmas holidays, the group works with public schools and DHS offices across the Portland/Vancouver metro area to provide gifts.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Vancouver

Every year, the organization partners with Seton Catholic College Prep School to provide presents for children 17 and under to qualifying families who receive food boxes. The Christmas Gifts Program opens on December 2 this year, and will be taking applications ONLY by phone and in-person. (No online applications will be accepted for 2024.)

Santa’s Posse

A partnership between the Clark County Sheriff’s office and the local community, referrals are done through area schools and social service agencies. The 2024 team expects to support over 4,800 area children this holiday season.

Contact your school or social service agency.

Many organizations deliver their holiday gifts to families through public schools or social services. You child’s school counselor is a great resource for accessing these holiday gifts.

Request a free holiday tree.

You may fill out a form to request a decorated holiday tree from The Christmas Tree Project (not guaranteed), or if you have a fourth-grade student, you can get a free Christmas Tree permit with their Every Kid Outdoors pass.

Buy Nothing Groups and App

Join your neighborhood Buy Nothing group on Facebook or on the Buy Nothing app. People offer gifts, or you may post a request. Everything is freely given.

Hugs and happy holidays from the whole PDX Parent team.