This year more than ever everyone is hoping to feel some joy and happiness during this holiday season, either by starting a new tradition with family (Holiday Zoom Parties, anyone?) or by simply taking time to relax, rest and recharge. Realizing that you may also be looking for some extra support and help, we have put together a list of resources you can use to help obtain various needs for this holiday season.
The following counties are represented in the list below. Please scroll down to find your county. Burlington, Camden, Chester, Delaware, Gloucester, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties.
We hope this information provides support for you and yours.
Wishing you a healthy and happy holiday season,
– Your BBBS Independence Family
Pennsylvania Counties
Chester County
Chester County Food Bank
https://chestercountyfoodbank.org/
650 Pennsylvania Drive
Exton, PA 19341
610-873-6000
contact@chestercountyfoodbank.org
https://chestercountyfoodbank.org/community-partners/member-agencies/
The Food Bank relies on our member agencies to distribute food directly to those in need. With over 120 member agencies — ranging from pantries and shelters to faith-based organizations and schools — the Food Bank is able to quickly and efficiently get food into the hands of those in Chester County struggling with hunger and insecurity. We not only provide each agency with nutritious shelf stable and fresh foods, we also host quarterly food provider meetings for continuing education, best practices and to share their needs and successes.
Are you in need of food assistance? To receive food assistance, click on the link above, and use the map above to contact your local agency during its listed business hours. All listed agencies are open to the public. If you are unsure of the cupboard closest to you, call the Food Bank at 610-873-6000 and we can help you identify a hunger relief agency that serves your part of town.
West Chester Food Cupboard
431 S. Bolmar St, West Chester, PA 19382
610.344.3175
wcfood@gmail.com
Hours: TUESDAYS, los martes 8:30-11:30 am, THURSDAYS, los jueves 8:30-11:30 am, SATURDAYS, los sábados 8:30-11:30 am
The West Chester Food Cupboard commits to provide a variety of fresh and nonperishable healthy food to those in need.
- Open and continue to distribute food to Pennsylvania residents in need of food at this difficult time.
- You will not have to enter the building.
- Drive by and receive your food from a volunteer at a safe distance.
- First-time clients bring proof of residency (a lease, license, PECO bill, etc.) and share your total household income.
- They continue to be in close contact with the Chester County Food Bank, Chester County Health Department, and other resources, and are doing everything we can to keep our clients and volunteers safe.
Coatesville Community Food Co-Op
800 S 1st Ave, Coatesville, PA 19320, USA
Hours: Third Saturday: 9:30am – 1:00pm
Phone: 610-384-1344
Contact: Alvira Gibbs
Food Distributed: Provide prepacked bags or boxes of food
Jubilee Food Distribution
920 Lincoln Hwy E, Coatesville, PA 19320, USA
Hours: Fourth Thursday 9am-11am
Phone: 610-384-1821
Website: https://www.jeminc.org/calendar
Contact: Pastor Shalene Fullwood
CYWA Community Youth & Women’s Alliance
423 Lincoln Hwy E, Coatesville, PA 19320, USA
Hours: Third Tuesday 12:30 – 2:00pm & 5:30 – 7:00pm • Wednesdays: 12:30 – 2:00pm • Thursdays: 1:30-3:00pm
Phone: 610-384-9591
Website: www.cywa.org
Contact: Roger Wayne
- Provides services for women with children in Coatesville.
- Grove food cupboard volunteers help clients register and select their food items. It’s a very satisfying experience, working alongside the community volunteers and talking with the clients. Try it for one day and see if you like it!
Act In Faith
212 S High St, West Chester, PA 19382, USA
Located at Church of the Holy Trinity
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 10:00am – Noon; Wednesday: 1:00 – 3:00pm
Phone: 484-324-8492
Website: www.actinfaithgwc.org/
Contact: Hallie Romanowski
ACT in Faith was created in 2010 by members of the Religious Council of Greater West Chester in response to the growing needs of the community. They found that many of those in need:
- Did not meet the criteria to qualify for support through other social services,
- Were facing a crisis that was not addressed by any other organization, or
- Had no idea what resources were available or where to go for support.
ACT in Faith was created with the intent to help connect those in need with existing support services and to fill gaps in services.
Kennett Area Community Service
136 W Cedar St, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA
Hours: Mondays and Fridays: Noon – 3:00pm; Wednesdays: Noon – 6:00pm
Phone: 610-925-3556
Website: http://www.kacsonline.net/
Contact: Kate Miller
Kennett Area Community Service is a life-sustaining organization that provides essential services to our neighbors in need and will continue to do so in the wake of COVID-19.
Coatesville Salvation Army
669 Lincoln Hwy E, Coatesville, PA 19320, USA
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Phone: 610-384-2954
Website: http://www.salvationarmy.org/
Contact: Lieutenants David & Lila Soria
Baptist Church of West Chester
221 S High St, West Chester, PA 19382, USA
Hours: Saturday Morning Breakfast: 6:00 – 9:00am; Second & Fourth Sunday 11:00am
Open to the public – no charge
Phone: 610-696-7466
Website: http://www.bcwc.org/default.asp?sec_id=180015415
Contact: Fran Homer
Toys for Tots Chester County
Check this site for updates throughout the season and to “Apply for Toys”.
Find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pg/T4TChesterCounty
United Way of Greater Philadelphia & South Jersey
215-665-2501 or dial 211
http://211sepa.org/search-services/
- Once you click on this page scroll all the way down (using the middle slide bar) until you see “Other Search Options”
- Enter keyword: “Holiday Gifts/Toys” and hit “search”
- Once the page loads click “change search filters” to add your zip code and find agencies closest to you.
The People’s Pantry at Church Road – Covenant Presbyterian Church
384 Lancaster Avenue, Malvern, Pennsylvania, 19355
http://www.churchroadpantry.org/index.php
Main phone number is (610) 648-0707
· The People’s Pantry is a place where residents can come for food and clothing to get them through a rough period in their lives. The congregation of Covenant Presbyterian Church and the community at large donate everything given through the Pantry.
· The Pantry is located at 384 Lancaster Ave (in the same building as the CCLC!) Anyone in the Great Valley School District and 19355 zip code who needs assistance can shop. Pantry visitors must show valid ID for each household member and proof of residence each month.
· Operates year-round, including Thanksgiving and Christmas. The non-profit is a place where people can come for clothing, free food, a listening ear, and other support to get them through a rough period in their lives, including the holidays. The on-site pantry also operates special programs for Christmas, free School Supplies, and Thanksgiving meals and groceries too.
Lord’s Pantry of Downingtown
(610) 873-1149
141 E Lancaster Ave, Downingtown, PA, 19335
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM; Thursday evening from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
- The Adopt-a-Family program relies on donations and volunteers. It can provide free gifts, clothing, winter attire and more to children and entire low-income families that cannot provide for themselves. Supports Chester County and Philadelphia.
- Serves Downingtown school district, Exton, Lionville, Chester Springs
- Need to be registered, show up during business hours with proof of address and income
- Provides meals around Thanksgiving and Christmas
Deleware County
634 Sproul Street, Chester, PA 19013
Phone: (610) 872-6865
chester@cityteam.org
Offers an Adopt a Family Program. To learn more contact the organization directly via phone.
The Delaware Valley Children’s Charity
While DVCC has changed its Holiday Program for 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they will be offering a way to spread warmth, joy, and hope during the holidays. Details will be available on their website in October 2020.
The Salvation Army
Contact either of the following locations:
22 N. 9th Street, Darby – 610-583-3720
151 W. 15th Street, Chester – 610-874-4266
Toys for Tots
Check this site for specific Delaware County updates throughout the season and to “Apply for Toys.”
2020 Coordinator: Cpl Rovito
Phone: 610-532-7951 ext 230
2020 Assistant Coordinator: HM2 “Doc” Kyte
Phone: 610-532-7959 ext 232
The Dear Santa Society
Address: 1614 Countryside Lane, Jeffersonville, Pennsylvania, 19403
Call (610) 630-3929
Offers Family Assistance at Christmas to low-income families from the Philadelphia region, including Montgomery and Delaware County Pennsylvania.
United Way of Greater Philadelphia & South Jersey
215-665-2501 or dial 211
http://211sepa.org/search-services/
- Once you click on this page scroll all the way down (using the middle slide bar) until you see “Other Search Options”
- Enter keyword: “Holiday Gifts/Toys” and hit “search”
- Once the page loads click “change search filters” to add your zip code and find agencies closest to you.
Montgomery County
Norristown Salvation Army
533 Swede St, Norristown, PA 19401
(610) 275-4183
(610) 275-8694
Pottstown Salvation Army: Pottstown Citadel
137 King St, Pottstown, PA – (610) 326-1621
United Way of Greater Philadelphia & South Jersey
215-665-2501 or dial 211
http://211sepa.org/search-services/
- Once you click on this page scroll all the way down (using the middle slide bar) until you see “Other Search Options”
- Enter keyword: “Holiday Gifts/Toys” and hit “search”
- Once the page loads click “change search filters” to add your zip code and find agencies closest to you.
Toys for Tots
Check these sites for specific Montgomery County updates throughout the season and to “Apply for Toys”.
Harleysville:
https://harleysville-pa.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.aspx?nPageID=100&nPreviewInd=200
This site DOES NOT accept family toy requests for any areas other than Salford, Upper Salford, Lower Salford, Franconia, Montgomery Co. portions of Souderton and Telford, Towamencin, Hatfield, and Upper Gwynedd, PA. If you do not see your zip code go back to www.toysfortots.org for further help.
This site only supports families in the following areas: Bally, Barto, Gilbertsville, East Greenville, Greenlane, Pennsburg, Red Hill
309 Corridor:
https://buckscountypa.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.aspx?nPageID=100&nPreviewInd=200
This site only supports families in the 309 corridor of Montgomery County North of PA63.
The Dear Santa Society
1614 Countryside Lane, Jeffersonville, Pennsylvania, 19403
Call (610) 630-3929
Offers Family Assistance at Christmas to low-income families from the Philadelphia region, including Montgomery and Delaware County Pennsylvania.
Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities/Cluster Outreach Center
57 N. Franklin St, Pottstown, PA, 19464
(610) 970-5995
Email Kelli DeSieno with any questions: kdesieno@pottstowncluster.org
- Holiday assistance is offered from the charity, including infant formula, food, turkeys, holiday food, toys, gift cards, winter coats, outfits for children, and toiletries.
- Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM.
- Pantry hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
- High-risk pantry hours are on Friday, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
The Open Line
452 Penn Street, Pennsburg, Pennsylvania, 18073
https://www.theopenlink.org/services/back-to-school-holiday-programs/holiday-programs/
(215) 679-4112
They administer the Angel Tag Holiday Program and an Adopt-a-Family Program providing clothing, personal gifts, toys, free clothing, and more to families in the Upper Perkiomen Valley.
Philadelphia County
The Food Trust
1617 John F. Kennedy Bldv., Suite 900, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 575-0444
American Red Cross: Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter
23rd & Chestnut Sts, Philadelphia, PA 19103-0000
E-mail: info@redcross-philly.org
Phone: 215-299-4889
Fax: 215-299-4021
http://www.redcross-philly.org
The Salvation Army:
Contact any of the following locations:
1320 Arch St – (215) 568-5111
2140 Market St – (215) 561-0178
701 North Broad St – (215) 787-2800
Philabundance
Call 215-339-0900 for more information.
Philabundance works to end hunger and malnutrition in the Greater Philadelphia region by rescuing surplus food and distributing it to local organizations serving people in need. Twenty-seven percent of the food produced in the U.S. goes to waste while millions go hungry, a contradiction we are working to change.
The Greater Philadelphia Food Bank
302 West Berks Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122
If you are in need of emergency food assistance please call the Hunger Hotline at 1-800-366-3997
Toys for Tots
Check this site for updates throughout the season and to “Apply for Toys”.
Lighthouse, Inc.
152 W. Lehigh Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19133
Call (215) 425-7800
The Beacon Food Share Program provides food to senior citizens and needy families. The non-profit also offers free holiday packages and organizes special events for the community.
United Way of Greater Philadelphia & South Jersey
215-665-2501 or dial 211
http://211sepa.org/search-services/
- Once you click on this page scroll all the way down (using the middle slide bar) until you see “Other Search Options”
- Enter keyword: “Holiday Gifts/Toys” and hit “search”
- Once the page loads click “change search filters” to add your zip code and find agencies closest to you.
New Jersey Counties
Burlington County
Toys for Tots
Check this site for updates throughout the season and to “Apply for Toys”.
2020 Applications will start on October 1, 2020. Do not submit information before this date or your application will not be considered.
United Way of Greater Philadelphia & South Jersey
215-665-2501 or dial 211
http://211sepa.org/search-services/
- Once you click on this page scroll all the way down (using the middle slide bar) until you see “Other Search Options”
- Enter keyword: “Holiday Gifts/Toys” and hit “search”
- Once the page loads click “change search filters” to add your zip code and find agencies closest to you.
Burlington Twp. Food Pantry
160 Burlington Center, Burlington, NJ 08016
(609) 280-6447, Contact: Domenic Zulla
Distribution Hours: Every Wednesday 9:00am-11:00am
Humanity First USA
500 Bridge Street, Willingboro, NJ 08046
(609)330-4578, Contact: Kwabena Osman
Distribution Hours: Every 3rd Saturday, Noon – 4:00pm
People First
1841 Burlington-Mt. Holly Rd, Westampton, NJ 08060-1069
(609)261-4571, Contact: Dawne Belfon
Distribution Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am – Noon
Abundant Life Community Development Corp.
4151 Route 130 South, Edgewater Park, NJ 08010
(856)461-7000, Contact: Andrea Armstrong
Distribution Hours: 2nd & 4th Wednesday 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Camden County
Toys for Tots
Check this site for updates throughout the season and to “Apply for Toys”.
United Way of Greater Philadelphia & South Jersey
215-665-2501 or dial 211
http://211sepa.org/search-services/
- Once you click on this page scroll all the way down (using the middle slide bar) until you see “Other Search Options”
- Enter keyword: “Holiday Gifts/Toys” and hit “search”
- Once the page loads click “change search filters” to add your zip code and find agencies closest to you.
Fountain of Life
403 Stevens Street, Camden, NJ, 08103
Phone: 856 397 7524, Contact: Sonia Martinez
Hours: 3rd Friday 8:30am-1:30pm Pantry
Martin Luther Chapel
4100 Terrace Avenue, Pennsauken, NJ, 08109
Phone: 856 665 0116, Contact: Susan Johnson
Hours: 2nd Wednesday 9:00am-1:00pm Pantry
Touch NJ, Inc.
549 State St, Camden, NJ, 08103
Phone: 856-803-3030, Contact: Gerald Davis
Hours: Wednesdays 9:00am-11:00am Pantry
Gloucester County
United Way of Greater Philadelphia & South Jersey
215-665-2501 or dial 211
http://211sepa.org/search-services/
- Once you click on this page scroll all the way down (using the middle slide bar) until you see “Other Search Options”
- Enter keyword: “Holiday Gifts/Toys” and hit “search”
- Once the page loads click “change search filters” to add your zip code and find agencies closest to you.
Lighthouse Baptist Church
811 Market Street, Gloucester City, NJ, 08030
Phone: 856 456 8595, Contact: David Serfass
Pantry Hours: 2nd Thursday 4:00pm – 6:00pm; 4th Thursday to 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Potters House Assemblies of God
301 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, NJ, 08030
Phone: 856 379 0478, Contact: Rosita Gomez
Hours: 3rd Wednesday 11:00-4:00 Pantry
The Victory Group
1055 Delsea Drive, Westville, NJ, 08093
Phone: (856)853-2688, Contact: Twanda Davis
Hours: 1st and 3rd Saturday 10am-12pm and 3rd Thursday Emergency by Referral only 11 to 1.
