Updated 11/22/2023: I’m in the process of updating this post.
The holiday season is a magical time; the cheerful lights and decorations, the excitement of giving, the anticipation of getting together with loved ones for delicious holiday foods. Unfortunately, for a lot of folks the holidays are a very stressful time. From food insecurities, financial burdens and pressure of gift giving, or where to stay dry and warm.
The past 3+ years have been unforgettable and not in a good way. It’s been a difficult time; the pandemic, shortages and inflation. It’s been tough!
Did you know 1 in 9 Washingtonians struggle to put food on their table. 1 in 6 children don’t know where their next meal is coming from. And hunger and food insecurities spike during the holidays!
This community we live in is so amazing and the willingness to help others even during a pandemic leaves me speechless! I’m proud to call the South Puget Sound my home!
Below you’ll find holiday and winter assistance for Pierce and Kitsap Counties.
PIERCE COUNTY & KITSAP COUNTY HOLIDAY & WINTER ASSISTANCE
This has been such a difficult time and if you need a helping hand please check out the resources below. If you are local to me and need any help in anyway, please reach out to me I’d love to help point you in the right direction, if I can’t help myself!
Who says gifts have to be brand new, check out this list of upcycled gifts ideas, over 25 different ones. And DIY/upcycled ideas for the women in your life.
If you’re fortunate enough to lend a helping hand this holiday season, there are a lot of awesome organizations below you can reach out to.
THANKSGIVING MEALS
•Please reach out to your child’s school counselor for assistance if you haven’t already.
•Please reach out to your local food bank to see if they have any holiday assistance programs. I’ll try adding any info that I’m aware of, but I may miss some.
•Please reach out to your local church to see if they have any holiday assistance programs.
•Local FB Group(on Facebook & phone app) & Others Helping Others in Pierce County Group
What: Reach out to your local group if anyone has extra foods for Thanksgiving dinner or maybe someone’s giving a meal away.
•Pierce County
Where: Tibbitsfernhill (Located in Tacoma)
What: “This will be for the Less Fortunate, Homeless and Single Folks this also will be a Togo event….. so Ill be needing Drivers and Volunteers!! Hours for pick up are 9am 10am 11am 12pm to get on the list please send an email to Tibbittsfernhill@outlook.com this Strictly Confidentional and I will personally confirm time and how many for pick up….. if you need it delivered please put in description!!”
•Pierce County
Where: Tacoma Dome, November 15, 12pm-3pm. Eastside Community Center, November 18, 9am-12pm. Salishan, November 18, 12pm-2pm. People’s Community Center, November 20, 5-8pm
What: Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway. Tacoma Police Depart. & Tacoma Ministerial Alliance are leading an effort to provide FREE turkeys to families. Families can pick up the turkeys at the locations below. While supplies last, first come, first serve basis. Participants must stay in vehicles. One turkey per family.
•Pierce County – University Place & Puyallup – TBA
Where: Cheers bar & Grill – 7102 27th St. W, University Place and 4110 S. Meridian, Puyallup
What: Free turkey giveaway to the community. They’ll have 500 turkeys to give away at each location. November 19. 1 turkey per car, first come first serve
•University Place Residents
Where: Families Unlimited Network
What: Contact F.U.N. for information. They serve families in the University Place area.
•Tacoma
Where: Tacoma Rescue Mission
What: Please contact the Tacoma Rescue Mission for any information about a Thanksgiving meal.
•Tacoma
Where: Salvation Army Tacoma Corps
What: For more information about what assistance is available and service locations, contact The Salvation Army in Tacoma at (253) 572-8452. This program is on a first come, first serve basis. Registration is not a guarantee of services.
•Tacoma
Where: BASH(Bikers Against Statewide Hunger) Food Bank
What: November 17th we will be giving away Thanksgiving Day boxes. These will be handed out first come first served. We will be open 9am- 4pm. Our address is 103 140th St S, Tacoma, 98444
• Spanaway
Where: Spanaway United Methodist Church, 135 163rd St S, Spanaway 98387
What: Spanaway United Methodist Church is continuing with our annual Friendsgiving! Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2-5pm
•Parkland – TBA
Where: Parkland Food Bank/Parkland First Baptist Church 11222 10th Ave South, Tacoma, WA. 98444
What: They have a Thanksgiving giveaway for the community. Find out more.
•Lakewood
Where: Loaves and Fishes Holiday Basket Ministry
What: A few churches have partnered together to serve families in the Clover Park School District (a total of 16 schools). Please contact your school to be added to the list.
•Puyallup – TBA
Where: Salvation Army Puyallup Corp, Senior Center 4009 9th St Sw in Puyallup
What: Wednesday, November 23 12:00-1:00, They are having a hot served Thanksgiving meal. They will also be distributing Thanksgiving food boxes with a Turkey on Friday November 18th. Registration for Thanksgiving food boxes.
•Fife
Where: New Horizon Church, 5600 Valley Ave E
What: “We are hosting a free Thanksgiving dinner for the greater community. Served family-style, the dinner is an uplifting event especially for those who may not have Thanksgiving otherwise.” November 22, 6pm-8pm.
•Fife
Where: Puyallup Tribe’s Little Wild Wolves Youth/Community Center, 5803 N. Levee Rd
What: Potlatch Dinner, November 17, starts at 6pm. Come for a thanksgiving meal.
•Gig Harbor
Where: Greater Gig Harbor Foundation/Thanksgiving Basket Brigade, 7191 Wagner Way Suite 102, Gig Harbor, WA
What: Nominate a family here. Baskets are delivered on November 22, 2023
•Key Peninsula/Gig Harbor
Where: The Key Peninsula and Gig Harbor area
What: Food Backpacks 4 Kids, Communities In Schools & GNOSH Food Truck are partnering to provide local families in the community with a Thanksgiving Meal Kit. Please contact for additional info.
•Gig Harbor
Where: Waypoint North
What: November 23, 2023 2:00pm-5:00pm. Join the Miller’s for Thanksgiving, here at WayPoint North on Thanksgiving Day at 2pm. Please sign up at the church or call the office so they know how many to plan for. The Miller’s are also open to anyone who wants to join in and help cook!
•South Kitsap
Where: South Kitsap Helpline Food Bank
What: If you are a South Kitsap resident in need of food assistance that’s not already being served by our agency, please come down to our food bank on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 12-5 and we will get you registered for the food you need!
•Bremerton
Where: Bremerton Food Line 1600 12th Street, Bremerton
What: Serving those in the Bremerton School District. Dinner options provided in addition to weekly food visits. November 13-16 & November 20-22, 10am-1:30pm. No sign ups or registration is required if you are already a client.
•Bremerton
Where: St. Vincent de Paul, 1137 N. Callow Ave, Bremerton
What: For turkeys/chickens and Thanksgiving fixings, they will be provided along with client’s regular grocery baskets.
Monday Nov 13th,
Tuesday Nov 14th,
Thursday Nov 16,
Fri Nov 17th.
•Kitsap Area
Where: Salvation Army Bremerton Corps, 832 6th Street, Bremerton
What: Contact the Salvation Army for more info.
•Kitsap County
Where: Coffee Oasis Drop-In Center Locations; Bremerton, Kingston, Poulsbo, Tacoma and Port Orchard
What: Night of Thankfulness, join them for a free dinner for those ages 13-25. November 17th, 6-9pm.
•Kitsap County
Where: Kitsap, will be delivered week of Thanksgiving
What: Peninsula Partners will be sponsoring 12 families this Thanksgiving! We are asking for nominations for families in need. Each meal will serve 6-8 people. Nominations due by 11/10.
•Bremerton
Where: DocLuvTheKids
What: Feed the Streets, Holiday Feast. Hitting the streets NOV 20th with hot meals and hygiene packs, and NOV 22 we are dropping off fully cooked turkey dinners to families who need a little extra help.
•Port Orchard – TBA
Where: THAT ONE PLACE Restaurant, 1397 Olney Ave, Port Orchard
What: By Donation. They serve a prepared meal on Thanksgiving for anyone that shows up and you just pay what you can.
CHRISTMAS GIFT ASSISTANCE
•Please reach out to your child’s school counselor for assistance if you haven’t already.
•Please reach out to your local food bank to see if they have any holiday assistance programs. I’ll try adding any local info that I’m aware of, but I may miss some.
•Please reach out to your local church to see if they have any holiday assistance programs.
•Local Buy Nothing Group(on Facebook and phone app) & Helping Hands Washington FB Group & New Beginnings Closet in Kitsap County
Details: Reach out to your local groups if anyone has stuff they want to part with or give away.
•Your Local Fire & Rescue Department
Details: Most Fire & Rescue Departments host a gift assistant program, contact your local Fire Department for more information.
•Operation Santa(USPS)
Details: To participate in the USPS Operation Santa program as a possible recipient of holiday gifts, all you have to do is write a letter, put it in a stamped envelope with a return address, and send it to Santa’s official workshop address. Santa is now accepting letters! Send them in before adoption begins on November 20. Last day to mail letters is December 11.
•Toys For Tots
(Pierce, & Kitsap)
Details: Pierce County Toys For Tots will be happening this year. Registration is required 0-13 year olds.
Details: Kitsap County Toys for Tots will be happening this year, please check the website for all the info. Registration is required, beginning Oct 15-Dec 15. 0-17 year olds.
•Toy Rescue Mission
(Pierce County)
Details: We serve birth to age 15, children that live in Pierce County only, and be able to show proof of low income. Contact them if you quality.
•House of Matthew
Pierce County
Details: Free Holiday shopping event for Pierce County residents only, and requirements needed. By appointments only.
•Salvation Army’s Hope Marches On
Tacoma
Details: Please fill out the Angel Tree Application for your child 0-16 years, for Christmas assistance with help with gifts. You will need to show proof of residency and custody of child. This program is on a first come, first serve basis. Registration is not a guarantee of services.
•BASH(Bikers Against Statewide Hunger)
Details: TBD
•Families Unlimited Network Community Christmas (University Place)
Details: If you are a family with a Child in the University Place School District then you qualify. If your children are too young to be in school please contact our office directly for eligibility verification. Please contact your school counselor to register your family. If you do not have a child old enough for school contact us directly at 253.460.3134
•Gig Harbor FISH Program
Details: Holiday Toy Program for kids ages 0-17, find the list of eligible zip codes on their site.. Register online or in person go to. Distribution dates are December 14-15
•Children’s Home Society
(Vaughn/Key Peninsula)
Details: They offer holiday assistance for Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula residents. Please reach out to 253-884-5433 for more information.
•Salvation Army’s Hope Marches On
Puyallup Area
Details: Please fill out the Angel Tree Application for your child 0-16 years, for Christmas assistance with help with gifts. You will need to show proof of residency and custody of child. This program is on a first come, first serve basis. Registration is not a guarantee of services.
•Puyallup St. Francis House
Details: Please contact them for more info on their Christmas & Holiday Gift Giving program. Signs up may be over with.
•Puyallup Food Bank
Details: Sign-ups for the Christmas gift program usually begins 3 to 4 weeks before Christmas. The receptionist will be able to give you more information in the November/December time frame.
•Coffee Oasis Drop-In Center; Port Orchard, Kingston, Poulsbo, Bremerton & Tacoma
Details: Youth and young adults (ages 13-25) participating in The Coffee Oasis programs in Kitsap County can fill out a gift request form at their local Drop-In Center by December 8, 2023.
Port Orchard: 807A Bay St
Kingston: 11212 WA-104
Poulsbo: 780 NE Iverson St
Bremerton: 822 Burwell St
Tacoma: 1424 Tacoma Ave S
•Salvation Army’s Hope Marches On
Kitsap Area
Details: This program is on a first come, first serve basis. Contact them for more info, but sign ups may have passed.
•Fishline’s Christmas Child
Poulsbo, Suquamish, Bangor, & Keyport
Details: This program is open to only those who live or work fulltime in Poulsbo, Suquamish, Bangor, or Keyport. REGISTER HERE! Clients can sign up in person, online, at the front desk, by calling 360-779-5190, or by sending an email info@fishlinehelps.org
•Outrageous Christmas/New Life Church
South Kitsap
Details: Website is not live yet. When you’re able to, after December 1, you can post a need or give a need.
•Kitsap Foster Care
Kitsap County
Details: If you’re a foster family in the Kitsap County area, reach out to Kelly Conway at treasurer@kitsapfostercare.org
•South Kitsap Helpline Food Bank
Details: TBA
CHRISTMAS DINNER
•Please reach out to your child’s school counselor for assistance if you haven’t already.
•Please reach out to your local food bank to see if they have any holiday assistance programs. I’ll try adding any local info that I’m aware of, but I may miss some.
•Please reach out to your local church to see if they have any holiday assistance programs.
•Local Buy Nothing Group(on Facebook & phone app) & Others Helping Others in Pierce County Group
What: Reach out to your local group if anyone has extra foods for Christmas dinner or maybe someone’s giving a meal away.
•Tacoma
Where: BASH(Bikers Against Statewide Hunger)
What: TBA
•Tacoma
Where: Tacoma Rescue Mission
What: Please contact the Tacoma Rescue Mission for any information about a Christmas meal.
•Tacoma & Puyallup Area
Where: Salvation Army
What: Please fill out the Angel Tree Application for Christmas assistance with food. Sign up now. This program is on a first come, first serve basis. Registration is not a guarantee of services.
•University Place Area
Where: Families Unlimited Network Community Christmas
What: Christmas Meal Boxes Provided. If you are a family with a Child in the University Place School District then you qualify. If your children are too young to be in school please contact our office directly for eligibility verification. Please contact your school counselor to register your family. If you do not have a child old enough for school contact us directly at 253.460.3134
•Lakewood
Where: Loaves and Fishes Holiday Basket Ministry
What: A few churches have partnered together to serve families in the Clover Park School District (a total of 16 schools). Please contact your school to be added to the list.
•Parkland
Where: Parkland Food Bank/Parkland First Baptist Church 11222 10th Ave South, Tacoma, WA. 98444
What: They usually have a Christmas giveaway for the community. Contact them for more info.
•Graham (Bethel School District families)
Where: Harvest House in Graham
What: They provide Christmas dinner boxes each year for designated families. These boxes are made to order for each individual family and their needs, coming fulling loaded with all the fixing for a full Christmas dinner. Contact Harvest House and/or your child’s school to see if you qualify.
•Kitsap Area
Where: Salvation Army Bremerton Corps
What: This program is on a first come, first serve basis. Registration may have passed, but contact them to check.
•Kitsap County
Where: Coffee Oasis Drop-In Center Locations; Port Orchard, Kingston, Poulsbo Bremerton, and Tacoma
What: Join us for a FREE Christmas dinner, games, caroling, and gifts (for ages 13-25)! Bring your friends and family!
Port Orchard: 807A Bay St. December 22, 6-9pm
Kingston: 11212 WA-104. December 22, 6-9pm
Poulsbo: 780 NE Iverson St. December 22, 6-9pm
Bremerton: 822 Burwell St. December 22, 6-9pm
Tacoma: 1424 Tacoma Ave S. December 15, 5-8pm
•Bremerton
Where: Bremerton Food Line 1600 12th Street, Bremerton
What: Serving those in the Bremerton School District. They provide holiday food baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
•Bremerton
Where: St. Vincent De Paul
What: Christmas grocery baskets will be provided along with regular grocery baskets. Mon Dec 18,, Tues Dec 19, Thurs Dec 21 & Fri Dec 22. With Santa visiting Dec 22 for photos with the kids!
•South Kitsap
Where: South Kitsap Helpline Food Bank
What: If you are a South Kitsap resident in need of food assistance that’s not already being served by our agency, please come down to our food bank on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays between 12-5 and we will get you registered for the food you need!
I will continue updating this post as I receive more information. So, please save this post and share it with your friends and family! And please email or comment here with any information you may know of.
Wishing you all a wonderful one this year!
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