Holiday Programs

Gardner CAC Holiday Programs occur during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons. Food baskets and children’s toys and gifts are collected and distributed to eligible local families and individuals. During December toys are sorted and stacked to the ceiling just waiting to be distributed to children in our communities.  


2024 Pre-registration for Thanksgiving or Holiday Food Baskets and/or Holiday Toys

Each program has specific eligibility guidelines and service areas. Individuals applying must have a complete and updated file. All required information must be current and dated no earlier than August 2024. 

To apply, please complete the form from October 1-31, 2024. 

All pick-ups of Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets and holiday toys are by appointment only. Pick-up dates and locations will be announced soon.

Information Required for Holiday Programs Application

The following information is required. Please email GCAC or drop it off at the GCAC office, 294 Pleasant Street, Gardner, Massachusetts.

  • Photo ID (toys only)
  • Proof of Residence (Please provide one of the following documents): phone bill, electric bill, cable bill, rental/lease agreement, or mortgage statement
  • Proof of Household Income (Please provide one of the following documents): SNAP/MA Health/WIC card, pay stubs, SSI/SSDI printout, unemployment, DTA printout
  • Birth Certificate for children enrolled in the toy program (ages newborn to 12). If you submitted birth certificates to GCAC previously, you do not need to submit them again. This only applies to the toy program

If you have difficulty obtaining this information, please call the Gardner CAC office at 978-632-8700.

Holiday Application

Click the buttons below to complete the application forms for holiday food baskets and/or Christmas toys.

Holiday Food basket application

Eligibility for Food Baskets

Residents of Ashburnham, Gardner, Hubbardston, and Westminster who meet income guidelines. Limit one per household. You may choose to receive a food basket for either Thanksgiving OR Christmas Holiday. Food baskets are for households of 2 or more individuals.

Full eligibility requirements can be viewed when you click on the Food Basket button at left.

Holiday Toys Button

Eligibility for Holiday Toys

Residents of Ashburnham, Gardner, Hubbardston, Templeton, and Westminster who meet income guidelines are eligible for toys for children ages newborn to 12.

Full eligibility requirements can be viewed when you click on the Holiday Toys button at left.

No children may be in attendance when signing up or when picking up toys. No exceptions will be made. If individuals arrive with children they will be asked to return when the children are not with them.

Holiday Volunteers

Additional volunteers are needed during the holidays. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit our Volunteer page for more information on how to get involved.

Gratitude

We are grateful for all the individuals, companies and organizations who help us to raise money and donate gifts and food so we can continue to benefit so many families in our communities.

Gardner CAC's Mission

The Mission of the Gardner Community Action Committee, Inc. is to provide services and resources to those in need.

Our core values:

Respect. 

We embrace diversity and treat everyone with kindness and compassion.

Volunteers.

We believe that they are our most valuable asset and that volunteerism is mutually beneficial.

Relationships. 

Being responsible with funding, donations and resources helps us to maintain positive relationships in the community and with one another.