Holiday Resources for Families In Need

This holiday season, Denver Public Schools is compiling a list of free holiday meals, gift giveaways, food assistance organizations and child care resources for our families and kids. We know this is valuable information for our communities this time of year, so please share this holiday resource page with families and other educators. Happy holidays!

Denver Parks and Recreation
Kids ages 5-18 can sign up for a free My Denver Card, which gives them access to recreation centers, pools and cultural facilities.

Food Bank of the Rockies
Food Bank of the Rockies distributes food through partner agencies in 30 counties in Colorado, including most of Metro Denver. Click here to enter your zip code or address and find the food pantry closest to you. Food Bank of the Rockies only distributes food directly to the public from its warehouse the third Saturday of every month from 9 a.m.-noon.

Mile High United Way
Mile High United Way has an online food assistance resource center, where families can find information on food pantries, food vouchers, soup kitchens, community meals and more.

Colorado Shines Child Care Referral at Mile High United Way offers a free child care resource and referral service. Contact a Child Care Navigator 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1-877-338-2273 or email childcareoptions@unitedwaydenver.org.

The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army will host a free holiday meal 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 23 at the Convention Center. Arrive early; no registration is required. Families who need additional assistance with clothing, food or household items can call 303-295-3366 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Clothes to Kids of Denver
Clothes to Kids of Denver provides free clothes to kids, so kids can feel comfortable and confident in the classroom and focus on success. Click here for eligibility information.

Toys for Tots
The local Toys for Tots campaign provides holiday toys to families in need. Families can request toys by contacting one of Toys for Tots local partner organizations; click here for a list of those organizations.

Energy and Utility Cost Assistance or Rental Assistance
Administered by Denver Human Services, the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) helps qualifying low-income households with winter heating costs by paying a portion of home energy bills. In Denver, 8,309 households received help with their utility costs during the 2016/2017 winter months thanks to LEAP. Residents who wish to apply may call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (432-8435), or visit www.denvergov.org/LEAP.

The Temporary Rental Utility Assistance Program TRUA program provides rental and/or utility assistance to residents experiencing a housing crisis, offering up to six months of rent assistance and up to $1,000 in utility payments. The city is using the 3-1-1 call center to route residents looking to access housing assistance. Residents can dial Denver’s main information line, 3-1-1, and press 6 for help. Information is also available at www.denvergov.org/housing.