The Heart of a Caring Community
Voluntary Action Center

Christmas assistance program


Parents seeking assistance for their children for Christmas must complete a Financial Education Class at the Voluntary Action Center.  These classes are offered in partnership with Truist.  Applications for Christmas Assistance will only be distributed to class attendees.  


Please see a list of classes below. 


To determine if you're eligible for Christmas Assistance, review the guidelines below:

  • You must provide a picture ID or birth certificate. 
  • Proof you live in Gordon County, and your school-aged children attend a school located in Gordon County or are homeschooled.  
  • You have not applied for any other Christmas assistance programs.  If you apply for assistance with any other agency or program, your application with the Voluntary Action Center will be denied.
  • ​You must provide a birth certificate, shot record, driver's license, or passport for all children.
  • You must provide proof of income. Applications without acceptable proof of income will not be approved.


For 2024, the VAC will have spots for 600 children on the Annual Christmas Assistance Program.



We are proud to partner with AdventHealth EMS to help provide a Merry Christmas to children living in Gordon County.  In addition to providing toys and clothing to children, we also provide a grocery gift card to each family to help with a Christmas meal.  Parents/guardians must fall within 140% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines to qualify.  Parents/Guardians are also required to complete one class to qualify.  For full program criteria, please review the Christmas Assistance Program Section Below.


Our Operation Happy Christmas Program is only successful each year because of the generosity of our sponsors.  Sponsors can help by making monetary donations or sponsoring a family.  Our sponsorship donors are asked to purchase one complete outfit and two or more non-clothing gifts for the child(ren) they sponsor.  Sponsors receive a sponsorship packet that includes the age, gender, size, and wishlist of each child sponsored.  The packet also includes additional information.  For more information on how you can help provide a Merry Christmas here at home, call our office at 706-629-7283.

Operation Happy Christmas