Watch the Holiday Program video

At Samaritan House, 'tis the season for sharing all year round. However, during the holidays, Samaritan House provides special holiday assistance programs: Family Sharing Program, Direct Distribution Program, Homebound Delivery Program.

More than 1,000 volunteers work together with our staff to help our low income clients enjoy the holiday season. Thanks to this phenomenal community support, every dollar spent on our Holiday Assistance Programs creates $15 worth of goods and services to help our low-income neighbors have a happy holiday season!

Samaritan House is very fortunate to have the support of a generous community. Food drives at local grocery stores, businesses, high schools, and donations from individuals provide food to families for the holidays. The families receive traditional holiday foods such as whole turkeys and grocery store gift certificates to buy fresh produce for holiday meals. In addition, Samaritan House distributes new toys to thousands of underprivileged children at Christmas.

Family Sharing Program
A great way for families to share their holiday spirit is through our Family Sharing Program. The Family Sharing Program is designed to make the gift of giving a very warm and personal experience and involves adopting a family or senior for the holidays. Philanthropic families, businesses, and community groups adopt specific families in need from the community in order to add a personal touch with special, hand-picked holiday items. Donors often establish a long-term bond with the adopted family or senior. Many times, recipient families have returned to the program as donor families once their financial situation improves. The program promises a very special experience for all who participate.

Direct Distribution
Samaritan House’s Direct Distribution Program annually provides families with a holiday package of food and toys. Each year, thousands of pounds of food and thousands of new toys are sorted and packaged by volunteers. The Saturdays before Thanksgiving and Christmas are Family Days when entire families, even children, are encouraged to help their neighbors in need by making holiday packages for families to pick up.

Holiday Delivery Program
With our Holiday Home Delivery Program, volunteers deliver food and toys to individuals and families who are unable to come to the Direct Distribution Program site.

Back to top.