Free Christmas Help 2026: Toy Appeals, Hampers and Christmas Day Meals

Quick summary: If you're dreading Christmas because there's no money for presents or food, there is help, but most of it works through referrals and closes in December. Ask your child's school, your health visitor, a social worker or your food bank now about local toy appeals such as the Salvation Army's Christmas Present Appeal. Ask your food bank about Christmas food and its holiday opening times, and look for free community lunches on Christmas Day.

Applies in: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Checked September 2026. Local schemes vary, so check what runs near you.

Start early: most help needs a referral

The biggest mistake is leaving it until mid-December. Toy appeals close early because they need time to match gifts to children, and most won't take requests straight from parents. Instead, someone who knows your family asks on your behalf.

People who can usually refer you:

your child's school or nursery
your health visitor, GP or midwife
a social worker or family support worker
your food bank, children's centre or a local charity you're already in touch with

It can feel awkward to ask, but these people are asked every year and they expect it. A quiet word in October or November gives them time to help.

Free Christmas presents for children

The Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal

The Salvation Army collects new toys and gifts and gives them to children whose families can't afford presents. It gave out more than 84,000 toys and gifts last Christmas, according to its appeal page.

Each local Salvation Army centre runs its own appeal and sets its own closing date, usually around mid-December
Centres work with social services, health visitors and schools, though this varies from place to place
Use the Salvation Army's local centre finder to contact your nearest one

Mission Christmas (Cash for Kids)

Mission Christmas is run by the Cash for Kids charities linked to local radio stations. It provides gifts for children aged 0 to 18.

Families can't apply directly. Applications must come from a professional or organisation, such as social services, a GP, a teacher, a registered charity or a community group
Priority goes to referrals from social services and other official bodies
See the Cash for Kids website to find the appeal for your area

Other local toy appeals

Many councils, churches, local radio stations, community groups and businesses run their own toy appeals. Your food bank or children's centre will usually know which ones run near you.

Food at Christmas

Many food banks add Christmas extras to their parcels in December, and some give out Christmas hampers. What's on offer varies, so ask yours.

Food banks often change their opening times over Christmas and New Year, and some close for a few days. Check your food bank's holiday opening times early so you can collect what you need before it closes. Read more: how food banks help at Christmas and are food banks open during school holidays?

Find your nearest food bank and read how to get a food bank voucher or referral.

A free meal on Christmas Day

Salvation Army: its centres provide Christmas lunches for isolated older people, food parcels for families and hot meals for people who are homeless. See the Salvation Army at Christmas
Crisis at Christmas: free and open to anyone over 18 who is homeless. See Crisis at Christmas
Local community lunches: churches, community centres, pubs and cafes across the UK host free Christmas Day meals, often for people who'd otherwise be alone. Your council, library or food bank can usually tell you what's on locally

Keeping warm over Christmas

Christmas often lands just as heating bills bite. If you're on a prepayment meter and run out, see how to get an emergency fuel voucher. If you get certain benefits, check whether you're due a Cold Weather Payment.

Be careful with Christmas borrowing

The pressure of Christmas can push people towards illegal lenders. Two in three people who borrow from a loan shark met them through friends or family, according to the Centre for Social Justice. If someone offers you cash with no paperwork, then adds charges or puts pressure on you, you can get confidential help from Stop Loan Sharks on 0300 555 2222 in England. It's open 24 hours a day, and you won't be in trouble for having borrowed. More from Stop Loan Sharks.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get free Christmas presents for my children?

Ask your child's school, your health visitor, a social worker or your food bank to refer you to a local toy appeal, such as the Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal or Mission Christmas. Most appeals need a referral and close in December, so ask early.

Can I apply to a toy appeal myself?

It depends on the appeal. Mission Christmas only accepts referrals from professionals and organisations. Your local Salvation Army centre can tell you how its appeal works.

Do food banks give out Christmas hampers?

Some do, and many add Christmas extras to their parcels in December. It varies by food bank, so ask yours.

Are food banks open over Christmas?

Many change their hours or close for a few days over Christmas and New Year. Check your food bank's holiday times in advance.

Where can I get a free Christmas dinner?

The Salvation Army, Crisis at Christmas (for people who are homeless) and many churches and community groups offer free Christmas Day meals. Ask your food bank or council what's on near you.

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