Other places families can turn
We can't do everything, and we're not the only ones helping. These local groups offer Christmas gifts, food and help with bills. Programs and deadlines change every year, so check their websites or call before you go.
Christmas gifts for kids
Wilson County Christmas for All
An all-volunteer group giving Christmas toys to kids from newborn to age 13 who live east of Highway 109. Online applications open October 1, and toy pickup starts the Friday before Thanksgiving.
615-680-9226
Apply OnlineBig Brothers of Mt. Juliet
Serves families in West Wilson County with its Mother's Toy Store and holiday food baskets. Reach them through their website.
Visit WebsiteToys for Tots
The Marine Corps Reserve program collects new toys and gives them to children in need through local chapters. Use their finder to locate the chapter for your county.
Find Your ChapterFood, clothing and help with bills
Mt. Juliet Help Center
Food and hygiene items you choose yourself, emergency help with utilities, free clothing for families, and referrals to other services.
3425B N. Mt. Juliet Rd.
615-754-4357
Mon–Fri, 8:30 am–12:30 pm
Wilson County Community Help Center
Food, clothing and household items, plus help with utilities for Wilson County residents. They also run a thrift store with clothes, toys and housewares.
203 West High St.
615-449-1856
Help desk Mon–Fri, 9 am–3 pm
Second Harvest Food Bank
Search by address to find a food pantry or free meal near you anywhere in Middle Tennessee.
Find Food Near YouLocal food pantries and ministries
Joseph's Storehouse Food Ministry
Drive-thru food giveaways for low-income, elderly and disabled neighbors and single parents, held the last Saturday of each month and the Thursday before. In November and December they give out food before Thanksgiving and before Christmas. Emergency food help is available any time.
1960 SE Tater Peeler Rd.
615-453-5777
Distribution days 8:30–11:30 am
Jesus Provisions Ministries
A volunteer-run food pantry and clothes closet with no income check, open to families whether or not they live in Wilson County. They also hold holiday giveaways. Call ahead to make an appointment.
505 Sunset Ct.
615-424-9422
Mon–Fri, 10 am–5 pm, by appointment
All For Him Ministry
Food boxes, clothing and hot meals for neighbors facing homelessness or low income. A drive-through meal is served Sundays from 2:30 to 3:30 pm, and a blessing box outside the warehouse is open 24 hours.
319 N. College St.
615-965-2330
Tue–Thu, 9 am–noon
Compassionate Hands
Helps Wilson County neighbors facing homelessness or a housing crisis, including warm winter shelters hosted by local churches and programs that help people get back on their feet.
214 N. College St.
615-784-9897
Brenda's Boxes of Blessings
Helps children in foster care and families facing hardship, kinship care or a sudden crisis with toys, food, baby essentials and celebration boxes for birthdays and milestones. Reach out by phone, email or the form on their website.
615-992-8152
brendasboxes@gmail.com
FAM Essentials
Furnishes homes for Wilson County families moving out of homelessness or starting over, with beds, mattresses, sofas, tables and other household basics. Foster and reunifying families can apply too.
703 S. Cumberland St., Suite C-2
615-478-7853
Search WilsonHelps or call 2-1-1
WilsonHelps.org is a volunteer-run directory of more than 150 Wilson County organizations, searchable by the kind of help you need, from food and clothing to housing and jobs. You can also dial 2-1-1 from any phone to talk with someone who can point you to help near you. It's free and confidential.
Give A Little Christmas isn't affiliated with these organizations. We share them because we want every family to find help. Know of a group we should add? Let us know.
Live outside Wilson County? See Christmas help by county.