A Holiday Guide for Families in Need

Are you or someone you know struggling financially this holiday season? There is no right or wrong way to enjoy the holidays, but help is available to give families in need better access to warm clothes, delicious meals, gifts, and more. Below are a few local resources for Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky families to tap into this year.

Gifts and holiday meals

The following organizations aim to keep bellies full and put presents under the tree:

• Community Action Agency
• Healing Center Cincinnati
• La Soupe
• Freestore Foodbank
  • NOTE: Holiday food distribution ends on December 18.
• Clifton Mosque
• Our Daily Bread
• Operation Give Back

Utilities and housing

Some families in need are struggling to cover the cost of utilities and housing this holiday season. And with temperatures getting lower, housing and heat are crucial. Below are a few local organizations that help in these areas:

• Community Action Agency
  • For emergencies, such as eviction or utility shut off notices, call the center at 513.569.1840 (option 4).
• Our Daily Bread

Clothing

Bundle up with coats and other warm clothing from these organizations:

• Healing Center Cincinnati
• Vincent de Paul, Cincinnati
• Vincent de Paul, Northern Kentucky
• The Hope Foundation of Cincinnati Incorporated DBA Project Hope

Free holiday events

Having fun doesn’t need to cost money! Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky have a wealth of free holiday events scheduled in December. From holiday parades to Santa repelling off a tall building downtown, there’s something for everyone.

• Fountain Square Menorah Lighting, December 6.
• Lebanon Horse Drawn Carriage Parade and Festival, December 4.
• Shillito’s Elves at Findlay Market, through December 31.
• Downtown Dazzle, through December 18.
• Sharonville Christmas on the Loop, December 11.

General Electric Credit Union (GECU) believes the season of giving should last 365 days a year, which is why we partner with many local charities and organizations to give back to families in need. Two of our Giveback Partners, La Soupe and Operation Give Back, are featured on this list. We hope you or someone you know can utilize the services they and other organizations offer to make the holiday season warm, merry, and bright. From Cincinnati’s best credit union to you, happy holidays!