Over the past few weeks, I’ve noticed many families on social media sharing how difficult this holiday season has become. With rising costs and unexpected challenges, more parents than ever are worried about how they’ll provide gifts, or even the basics, for their children this Christmas.
No family should feel alone during the holidays, and there are organizations throughout the Black Hills region ready to help. I’ve compiled a list of programs, churches, and community groups that support families in need with gifts, toys, food, or general assistance. If you or someone you know could use help this season, please check out the resources below.
🎁 Major Holiday Toy & Gift Assistance Programs
Black Hills Toy Drive
This is one of the largest holiday toy drives in the region, serving kids ages 0–17 in multiple Black Hills counties.
- Registration Deadline (2025): December 1
- Distribution Day: December 20, Uptown Rapid Mall (Rapid City)
- Counties Served: Lawrence, Butte, Meade, Pennington, Custer, Fall River
The Toy Drive is a great option for families needing toys for their children, and preregistration is required.
Salvation Army of the Black Hills – Angel Tree Program
The Angel Tree program supplies holiday gifts for children and, in some cases, food boxes for families.
- In-Person Sign-Up: November 3–6, plus extended hours on November 7
- Online Registration: October 27 – November 12
- Location: 405 N. Cherry Ave., Rapid City
Angel Tree is widely supported by businesses and churches throughout the region — making it one of the most accessible holiday help programs.
🏠 Local Churches & Community Organizations Across the Black Hills
Below is a list of organizations in the communities you mentioned — many providing direct assistance, while others partner with larger programs like Angel Tree or the Black Hills Toy Drive. These groups often help with gifts, clothing, food, or general support.
Spearfish & Belle Fourche
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Spearfish/Belle Fourche Conference)
Offers emergency assistance, clothing, household items, and may provide holiday support. - Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (Spearfish)
Runs its own Christmas gift ministry and participates in community giving.
Sturgis & Newell
- St. Vincent de Paul – Sturgis/Newell Area
Provides personalized support for families needing basic help, holiday needs, and emergency aid.
Deadwood
- Local churches and organizations in Deadwood participate in regional toy and gift programs such as the Black Hills Toy Drive and Angel Tree.
Piedmont
- Piedmont churches often serve as Angel Tree or donation drop-off sites, supporting families in northern Pennington County.
Hill City
- Multiple small churches in Hill City participate in holiday aid through regional programs — often offering food baskets and gift support.
Custer
- Custer churches and community groups regularly take part in Angel Tree, local gift programs, and seasonal outreach efforts.
Hermosa
- Hermosa faith-based groups and nonprofits support families with Christmas needs through connections to the Black Hills Toy Drive and Salvation Army programs.
Wall
- Local churches and community service groups in Wall coordinate with regional organizations to provide holiday gifts or necessities for families in rural areas.
Union Center
- Although smaller, Union Center’s community churches and local networks assist families through county-level holiday support and connections to larger gift-giving programs.
🎄 You Are Not Alone This Season
Many families are struggling, and it’s okay to ask for help. The organizations listed above are here to make sure children across the Black Hills can still experience the joy of Christmas, regardless of financial circumstances.
