~ The EAP is encouraging Boston-area residents to begin planning for holiday assistance in November, saying many food, heating, charity and gift programs require applications, documentation or waiting periods.

In a resource list for the 2026 holiday season, the organization recommends contacting programs early and says residents can reach out to the EAP for help identifying services. The list includes food resources, financial and utility assistance, charities and family activities.

Food options include the Greater Boston Food Bank, the city's Find Your Food Pantry directory, Fair Foods, which offers produce boxes for $2, and a regional guide to food pantries and other services from nonprofit VitalCNXS.

More on Boston Chron

• Building a Technology Powerhouse-From AI Drones and Global Acquisitions to Defense, Enterprise Software and the Future of Autonomous Operations $ZENA
• Shelter Structures America backs MATRA Second Life Project to turn retired tent vinyl into homes for displaced families
• P-Wave Press Announces Becoming Dad: Reflections for New Fathers by L. A. Davenport
• Logicraft Launches FuelDeck™, AI That Turns Aviation Fuel Tickets Into One Traceable Ledger
• Inaugural OC Tech Week Draws 3,000 From 12 Countries, Sends Finalist to $1M Startup World Cup

For heating and other household costs, the EAP points to Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Programs, which it says include support for heating expenses as well as insulation and home or heating-system repairs and replacements. The list also includes NeedHelpPayingBills.com, which identifies potential financial aid sources in Middlesex and Suffolk counties.

Gift and seasonal assistance resources include Globe Santa, the U.S. Postal Service's Operation Santa, the Salvation Army's holiday fundraising drive and Toys for Tots. The EAP also suggests donations to Boston-area shelters, including Rosie's Place, Pine Street Inn and Father Bill's, and links to giving information from the Red Cross.

The resource list includes event calendars and holiday guides from Boston Central, Meet Boston, Boston Events Discovery Guide, VisitMA, Boston Parent Paper and Mommy Poppins. The EAP says the listings include family activities, some of them free, during November and December.

---

Show All News | Disclaimer | Report Violation