Holiday Programs 2025

If you are in need of holiday related services or want to get involved, here is a list of program taking place across the community.
November Programs
Thanksgiving Food Baskets
Call Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska at 402-327-6200 to make your request from Nov 10-14 between 12-1 PM ONLY. Orders filled as food basket supplies last. Pick-up on Fri. 11/21 between 9 AM-12 PM & 1-2 PM at our office: 2241 O St. Lincoln, 68510.
Fall Food Festival
Fall Foods is a two-day distribution for those enrolled in Center for People’s Pantry services through Clarity. You must be at least 18 years or accompanied by an adult. To sign up please contact Lindsey Licht at llicht@centerforpeople.org.
Nightly Meals
Community Action’s The Gathering Place (1448 E St.) is providing free holiday meals for all with no eligibility requirements. Additionally, meals are provided every day from 5:00-6:00 PM, including Thanksgiving. (Closed November 28, December 2, and January 1)
Holiday Food Giveaway
The Malone Center (1144 M St) presents a holiday food giveaway on November 23 in partnership with Visionary Youth. There will be live music, free socks, underwear, resource booths, food for up to 1,200 families and more!
Thanksgiving Food Box
The Salvation Army – Lincoln’s Thanksgiving meal box registration is open for households experiencing food insecurity. Walk in applications will be taken November 3-7 from 10 AM – 12 PM and 1 PM – 3 PM at 2625 Potter Street. Registrants are required to provide a photo ID, proof of address (current lease, utility bill, etc.) and proof of household size (ID/Medical card/ETC for all household members). Social Security cards not accepted as a form of ID. Applications may close early if program capacity is met before Nov 7th. Call 402-474-6263 for more information.
Holiday Turkey Drive-Thru Giveaway
This food distribution drive thru will occur on November 22 at People’s City Mission Help Center (6800 P St). Must be registered for services and obtain a clarity card. Income guidelines must not exceed household size. Registration occurs every Tuesday, 9 AM-11 AM. A limited amount of food baskets will be handed out at the front door for those walking, taking the bus, etc.
Thanksgiving Food Distribution
Good Neighbor Community Center’s (2617 Y St) Thanksgiving food distribution, including turkey or Halal chicken is first come first served. No appointment. Distribution begins at 10AM on Monday November 24. ID or Clarity card is required. Please contact Lisa Ross at lisa@gncclincoln.org for more information.
For Donors: Good Neighbor Community Center is seeking volunteers for Thanksgiving Food Distribution on Monday, November 24. Please contact Lisa Ross at lisa@gncclincoln.org
December Programs
Christmas Meal Boxes
The Salvation Army – Lincoln’s holiday meal box is for households experiencing food insecurity. Walk in applications will be taken November 17-20 from 10 AM – 12 PM and 1 PM – 3 PM at 2625 Potter Street. Registrants are required to provide a photo ID, proof of address (current lease, utility bill, etc.) and proof of household size (ID/Medical card/ETC for all household members). Social Security cards not accepted as a form of ID. Applications may close early if program capacity is met before Nov 20.
Christmas Toy Shop and Meal Boxes
All households registered for The Salvation Army – Lincoln’s Toy Shop will also receive a food box and do not need to register separately for a food box. Households must have children between the ages of 0-12 to register for Toy Shop. Households must register in advance. Online applications will open November 17 and can be accessed at www.saangeltree.org. Online applicants must have a valid email address and should be prepared to upload photos of the required documentation. Failure to do so means the application will be rejected. Required documentation includes a valid Photo ID for all adults in the household, proof of address such as a lease or current utility bill, and proof of children’s ages in the household: medical card showing the birthdate, school registration showing the birthdate, birth certificate. Social Security cards and Medical cards without a birthdate are not accepted as proof of a child’s age. For families not able to complete an online application, walk in applications will be taken November 17-20 from 10 AM – 12 PM and 1 PM – 3 PM at 2625 Potter Street. Applications may close early if program capacity is met before Nov 20. Distribution for registered households takes place by December 16-18 at 2625 Potter Street.
Christmas Food Baskets
Call Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska 402-327-6200 to make your request from Dec 9-12 between 12-1pm ONLY. Orders filled as food basket supplies last. Pick-up on Fri. 12/19 between 9 am-12 pm & 1-2 pm at our office: 2241 O St. Lincoln, 68510.
Christmas Giveaway
El Centro de las Américas will distribute food and will provide gifts to children on December 22. Please register at the El Centro office: 210 O Street.
Nightly Meals
Community Action’s The Gathering Place (1448 E St.) is providing free holiday meals for all with no eligibility requirements. Additionally, meals are provided every day from 5:00-6:00 PM, including Christmas Eve. (Closed November 28, December 2, and January 1)
Grandparents Room
Toy shopping at Good Neighbor Community Center’s (2617 Y St) Grandparents Room for grandparents only. Call (402) 477-4173 for an appointment starting Monday November 3. Every other year eligibility, newborn – age 11, maximum of 5 grandchildren. Mandatory identification required, child’s full name, date of birth, social security preferred. Shopping appointments begin Monday December 1.
Holiday Hope
Mourning Hope Grief Center’s (1311 S Folsom St.) Holiday Hope on December 6, 10:00-11:30 AM offers children and families a safe, compassionate space to honor loved ones who have died, with creative activities and supportive programming to help navigate grief during the holiday season. Holiday Hope is free to attend, but registration is required at this link tinyurl.com/MH-Events. Snacks and supplies will be provided. This program is not recommended for children under 4 years of age.
Toy Distribution
Toy distribution at People’s City Mission Help Center (6800 P St) will take place on December 11 at 9 AM. Must be registered for services and obtain a clarity card. Income guidelines must not exceed household size. Registration occurs every Tuesday, 9 AM-11 AM.
To download a PDF list to take with you, click here.


