If you’re in need of food, toiletries, or basic essentials, our church is here to help. TLC Assist provides support to individuals and families facing difficult times. Don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re here to make sure your basic needs are met with care and compassion.

Families with young children are invited to enjoy a festive evening at the Warren Library for Candy Land Lane on Saturday, December 13 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. This joyful event offers holiday activities, crafts, and helpful resources for households with children ages six and under. Each child in that age group will receive a free Early Learning Kit while supplies last. It’s a warm, community-centered way to celebrate the season together at 444 Mahoning Avenue NW in Warren, Ohio.

United Intentional Transformation Center is hosting a Christmas Ham Giveaway on December 20 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Byzantine Center, located at 3801 Shady Run Road in Youngstown. Families in need are welcome to stop by and receive a free ham for their holiday meal while supplies last. This outreach effort aims to bring a little extra comfort and support to households during the Christmas season.

Wings Over the Valley is hosting its 2nd Annual Christmas Toy Giveaway on December 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Eastside Civics, 968 E. Midlothian Boulevard in Youngstown. Families are invited to stop by and pick up toys to help make the holidays brighter for children in the community. Birth certificates are required for each child. For details or donations, contact Vince at 330-717-0472.

The Glenwood Fresh Market in Youngstown provides free fresh fruits and vegetables to eligible Mahoning County residents. Those who qualify include SNAP recipients or households earning below 130 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Shoppers must present a photo ID, proof of income, and proof of residency, and registration is required before visiting. Market hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and appointments can be scheduled by calling 330-333-3561.

MyCAP, in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Development, is helping families stay warm this winter through the Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program. This initiative provides one-time financial support to income-eligible households facing heating emergencies, including service disconnections, low fuel supplies, or repair needs. Last year, the program assisted more than 73,000 Ohio households. Eligible residents can receive up to $175 for regulated utilities or up to $750 for unregulated ones. To apply, individuals must schedule an appointment with MyCAP and provide income verification, utility bills, and identification. For more details or to schedule, visit energyhelp.ohio.gov or app.capappointments.com

If you or someone you know needs food assistance, contact the Help Network by dialing 2-1-1 or text “HELP NETWORK” to 898211 for a list of local food pantries and hot meal locations. Resources include Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Northeast Ohio District Council, Rust City Church, and Ruth’s Boutique Thrive 10:10. Additional support is available through several St. Vincent de Paul Trumbull County Community Food Pantries open daily from 9 AM to 3 PM.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that provides eligible Ohioans assistance with their home energy bills. This one-time benefit is applied directly to the customer’s utility bill or bulk fuel bill.

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown, expresses the love and compassion of Jesus Christ to the poor, vulnerable, and hopeless. Through tangible assistance and essential services, they affirm human dignity, meet basic needs, strengthen families, build communities, and empower individuals to transform their lives. Catholic Charities collaborates with individuals, families, and communities to meet their needs, address issues, eliminate oppression, and build a just and compassionate society. Their mission is to serve people in need, advocate for justice in social structures, and call the entire Church and other people of goodwill to do the same.