For many families across metro Atlanta, the holiday season can be a time of joy but also one of financial stress. Rising grocery costs, high utility bills, and unexpected expenses can make it hard for some households to provide meals and gifts for their children.
Fortunately, local nonprofits, faith-based organizations and government programs are stepping in to lend a hand. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, multiple holiday food and toy distribution events are planned across metro Atlanta and surrounding counties.
Many events are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, while some require appointments. Here’s a guide to where families can find help, or lend a hand, this holiday season:
Food Giveaways
Gwinnett County Holiday Food Distribution
When: Tues, Dec. 16 at 3 p.m.
Where: Shorty Howell Park, 2750 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth
Who it’s for: Open to the public
Details: Gwinnett County will host a drive-through food distribution, providing fresh produce and nonperishable items. Food will be distributed until supplies run out.
Young Generation Movement Holiday Season Giveback
When: Mon, Dec. 23, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Where: YG Urban Café, 640 Evans St. SW, Atlanta
Who it’s for: Open to the public
Details: The Young Generation Movement, a youth-led Atlanta nonprofit, is hosting their 13th annual Holiday Season Giveback. The organization will offer free hot meals and winter coats to residents in need at the event,
DeKalb County School District SAFE Center Food Distribution
When: Dec. 18 from noon to 2 p.m.
Where: Martin Luther King High School, 3391 Snapfinger Road, Lithonia
Who’s it for: Meals are available to anyone in the community
Details: The DeKalb County School district operates regular food distribution sites for families, typically on scheduled dates throughout the school year, including December.
Faith Foundation Outreach Inc. Christmas Community Event
When: Sat., Dec. 20 from 11 a.m. to noon
Where: LA Fitness Parking Lot, 600 Gwinnett Drive., Lawrenceville
Who’s it for: Open to the public
Details: Free toys for children up to age 8 and free groceries are available for community members as part of a holiday event put on by the Faith Foundation Outreach Inc.
Pathways Christian Church Free Food Giveaway
When: Sat, Dec. 20, from noon to 1 p.m.
Where: Pathway Christian Church, 1517 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta
Who it’s for: Anyone in the community who needs food support.
Details: Free food distribution on a first‑come basis.
West Hunter Street Baptist Church Food Distribution
When: Wed, Dec. 17 from noon to 2 p.m.
Where: West Hunter Street Baptist Church, 1040 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard SW, Atlanta
Who it’s for: Open to community members in need.
Details: Free food distribution with pantry items served directly out of the church’s parking area. Food is available on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
Toy Giveaways
When: Dec. 19 and Dec. 20, by appointment only
Where: 1032 South Marietta Parkway SE, Marietta
Who’s it for: Cobb County residents
Details: Cobb Christmas is a long‑running holiday program focused on helping low‑income families in Cobb County during the Christmas season. While the main emphasis is on toys, the organization also welcomes food donations as part of its holiday support efforts.
Dads, Daughters, Dolls and Sons Toy Giveaway
When: Tues, Dec. 16 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Fulton County Government Center, 141 Pryor St. SW, Atlanta
Who’s it for: Justice-impacted families
Details: Annual toy giveaway for children with fathers incarcerated at the Fulton County Jail and other community members. For more information or to sign up to volunteer, contact Jerell.Shearin@fultoncountyga.gov.
North Fulton Community Charities Toyland
When: Dec.15 to Dec. 20
Where: Roswell Presbyterian Church, 755 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell
Who’s it for: Families in need
Details: North Fulton Community Charities is putting on their seasonal “Toyland” events where parents can choose free toys for their children in a store-like setup.
Donation Opportunities
Holiday Toy Drive at Goldbergs Fine Foods
When: Now through Dec. 20
Where: All Goldbergs Fine Foods locations
Details: This ongoing toy collection drive supports the Foster Care Support Foundation and other children’s programs. Donate new, unwrapped toys at participating locations and get a free bagel with cream cheese as a thank‑you.
Coats of Kindness and Toys of Joy
When: Dec. 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 56 Perimeter Center E., Suite 500, Atlanta
Details: Community event where residents can bring a new or gently used coat to donate to help families in need stay warm this winter. Includes holiday community celebration with treats, music, and other activities.
