Pierce County & Kitsap County Holiday & Winter Assistance

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Updated: 11/19/2024, I’m in the process of updating this post.

Are you looking for some holiday help?

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 4+ 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 Puget Sound my home!

Below you’ll find holiday and winter assistance for Pierce and Kitsap Counties.

 

PIERCE COUNTY & KITSAP COUNTY HOLIDAY & WINTER ASSISTANCE

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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.

Enter to win a $100 Amazon gift card right now!

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 a Free Hot Meal for Folks going thru a rough patch, unhoused folks, and single meals will be served on Thanksgiving Day. To Sign up for a Meal you must email Sharon at, tibbitts2024@gmail.com – Make sure to add if you want pick up or delivery, you must put address in the email. Times for the warm meal will be 11am until 2pm On Thanksgiving Day.”

•Pierce County
Where: Three different locations & dates!
November 19, 2024 Tacoma Dome, 11am-2pm (drive thru only)
November 23, 2024 Eastside Community Center, 10am-1pm (drive thru only)
November 25, 2024 People’s Community Center, 6-8pm (drive thru only)
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 vehicle.

•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 22, giving away Thanksgiving Day boxes to those in need. These will be handed out first come first served, one box per household. We will be open 9am- 4pm. Our address is 103 140th St S, Tacoma, 98444

Pierce County
Where: House of Matthew
Details: House of Matthew host Thanksgiving Dinner providing a warm homestyle dinner and hair cuts for those experiencing homeless and may be away from family. Pierce County residents only, and requirements needed. By appointments only.

•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 28, 2-5pm

•Parkland
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 
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.

•Puyallup St. Francis House
Details: Please contact them for more info on their Christmas & Holiday Gift Giving program.

•Fife 
Where: New Horizon Church, 5600 Valley Ave E, Fife
What: “This free Thanksgiving dinner is for anyone in our community who might otherwise miss out on a festive meal this year. We will be serving a delicious, hot dinner family-style, creating a welcoming space where everyone feels like they belong.” November 27, 6pm-8pm. Register here.

•Gig Harbor
Where: Greater Gig Harbor Foundation/Thanksgiving Basket Brigade, 9672 Bujacich Road, Gig Harbor, WA
What: Nominate a family here.

•Key Peninsula/Gig Harbor
Where: The Key Peninsula and Gig Harbor area
What: Food Backpacks 4 Kid & Communities In Schools are partnering to provide local families in the community with a Thanksgiving Meal. Please contact for additional info.

•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. “Additional food is provided around Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas through regular weekly service. Dates are announced a month in advance.” No sign ups or registration is required if you are already a client.

•Kitsap
Where: St. Vincent de Paul Bremerton Neighborhood Market, 1117 N. Callow Ave, Bremerton
What: Holiday groceries will be available during regular hours 10:30-2:30. Sign up not required. Turkeys(& chickens for smaller families) will be available. Nov 19, 21, & 22.

•Kitsap
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
What: Night of Thankfulness
Port Orchard – November 22, 2024 6:00PM Join us for a FREE DINNER (for ages 13-25)! This will include a Thanksgiving meal, decorating cookies, crafts, and a night of thanks.
Bremerton – November 22, 2024 6:00PM Join us for a FREE DINNER (for ages 13-25)! This will include a Thanksgiving meal, decorating cookies, crafts, and a night of thanks.
Poulsbo – November 22, 2024 6:00PM Join us for a FREE DINNER (for ages 13-25)! This will include a Thanksgiving meal, decorating cookies, crafts, and a night of thanks.
Tacoma – November 22, 2024 5:00-7:00PM Join us for a FREE DINNER (for ages 13-25)! This will include a Thanksgiving meal, decorating cookies, crafts, and a night of thanks at the The Coffee Oasis Drop-In Center. Doors open at 5:00pm and Dinner will be served at 5:30pm

•Port Orchard 
Where: THAT ONE PLACE Restaurant, 1397 Olney Ave, Port Orchard
What: They’re HOSTING a buffet style Thanksgiving dinner for FREE. Whatever your reason to join, such as no family in the area, too much in the family in the area, love our TOP family, etc. Join us. Donations are appreciated, but not required. November 28, 2024, 1-4pm.

•Port Orchard 
Where: New Day Ministry
What: If you need a Thanksgiving box to create your meal for Thanksgiving, contact David Stewart at 360-373-0184. Sign up ends at 3pm on Thursday November 21.

•Port Orchard 
Where: Christian Life Center
What: will be having a traditional Thanksgiving dinner from 5 to 6:15 on Wednesday November 20th for anyone in need of a home cooked meal whether you are homeless, low income, senior, or a struggling family.

•Port Orchard 
Where: Bethany Lutheran Church
What: Thanksgiving meal for those in need. Monday November 25, at 6PM.

 

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 18. Last day to mail letters is December 9.

•Toys For Tots
(Pierce, & Kitsap)
Details: Pierce County Toys For Tots will be happening this year. Registration is required 0-13 year olds. Oct 1- Nov 15
Details: Kitsap County Toys for Tots will be happening this year, please check the website for all the info. Registration is required, beginning Oct 11-Dec 13. 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: House of Matthew hosts their huge Holiday Shopping Event to assist low-income individuals and families with gifts, clothing and other essential items for adults and children in need. Pierce County residents only, and requirements needed.

•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, registration this year will be from October 1 – October 31st.

•Oasis of Hope Foundation
Pierce County
Details: More info coming soon.

•BASH(Bikers Against Statewide Hunger)
Tacoma
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, including two South Kitsap area codes. Register online or in person. Distribution dates are December 16-17.

•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. Clients may fill out an adoption application between October 1st and November 5th of each year. All applications must be submitted by November 5th.

•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
Pierce & Kitsap Counties
Details: “Join us for a FREE Christmas dinner, games, caroling, and gifts (for ages 13-25)! Bring your friends and family! December 20, 2024 at 6pm all Kitsap centers, and 5pm Tacoma location”
Sign up for gifts at your local drop-in center by Nov 22 for Tacoma center; Dec 6 for Kitsap centers.
Port Orchard: 807A Bay St
Poulsbo: 780 NE Iverson St
Bremerton: 822 Burwell St
Tacoma: 1424 Tacoma Ave S

•Salvation Army’s Hope Marches On
Kitsap County
Details: This program is on a first come, first serve basis. Contact them for more info.

•Fishline’s Christmas Child
North Kitsap School District or Bangor Base
Details: Parents who live or work full-time in the North Kitsap School District, Bangor Base, or be experiencing homelessness are eligible. The Children must be enrolled in the North Kitsap School District. Each family will receive $100 in Holiday Bucks per qualified child to spend at the participating local businesses below. Please see the guidelines below. 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.

•South Kitsap Helpline Food Bank
Details: TBA

•Christmas Angel Program
Kitsap County
Details: The program aims to provide holiday gifts for low-income families in Kitsap County. Families receive a few gifts and clothing per child as available.

 

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.

•Pierce County
Where: Tibbitsfernhill (Located in Tacoma)
What: “This will be a Free Hot Meal for Folks going thru a rough patch, unhoused folks, and single meals will be served on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day this will be a to-go event only and yes we can deliver I will post later how to sign up and times for pick up or delivery.”

•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.

•Puyallup St. Francis House
Details: Please contact them for more info on their Christmas & Holiday Gift Giving program.

•University Place Area
Where: Families Unlimited Network Community Christmas
What: 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.

•Coffee Oasis Drop-In Center
Pierce & Kitsap Counties
Details: “Join us for a FREE Christmas dinner, games, caroling, and gifts (for ages 13-25)! Bring your friends and family! December 20, 2024 at 6pm all Kitsap centers, and 5pm Tacoma location”
Sign up for gifts at your local drop-in center by Nov 22 for Tacoma center; Dec 6 for Kitsap centers.
Port Orchard: 807A Bay St
Poulsbo: 780 NE Iverson St
Bremerton: 822 Burwell St
Tacoma: 1424 Tacoma Ave S

•Bremerton
Where: Bremerton Food Line 1600 12th Street, Bremerton
What: Serving those in the Bremerton School District. “Additional food is provided around Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas through regular weekly service. Dates are announced a month in advance.” No sign ups or registration is required if you are already a client.

•Bremerton
Where: St. Vincent de Paul Bremerton Neighborhood Market, 1117 N. Callow Ave, Bremerton
What: Holiday groceries will be available during regular hours 10:30-2:30. Sign up not required. Turkeys(& chickens for smaller families) will be available. Dec 17, Dec 19, & Dec 20. With Santa visiting Dec 20 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!

•South Kitsap
Where: That One Place in Port Orchard
What: “Everyone is invited to come and join the community and our family/co workers for a fun,safe, warm environment this holiday. We will be serving a buffet/cafeteria style Christmas Dinner. Come grab a plate, we will serve you up, get you a drink, pick a seat, and enjoy a Ham Dinner with us!
This is for anyone in need of a place on Christmas Day. This is will be at no cost to anyone. We just want to provide a nice place for our community to be. 1pm to 4pm. Please keep togos limited. “

 

 

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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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