Holiday Programs

Gardner CAC Holiday Programs occur during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons. Thanksgiving food baskets are distributed for pick up at Gardner CAC for households who have pre-registered. Children’s toys and gifts are collected and distributed to eligible local families prior to Christmas. 


2025 Pre-registration for Thanksgiving 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 2025.  Pickup details will be provided to households whose applications and files are complete. 

To apply, please complete the form from October 14-November 7, 2025. 

Information Required for Holiday Programs Application

The following information is required. Please email gcac.holidays@gmail.com 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 any questions, please call the Gardner CAC office at 978-632-8700.

Holiday Application

The application for Holiday Programs will be available on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. 

Once your application is submitted, a member of the CAC staff will contact you to let you know what additional information is necessary in order to complete your registration. 

GCAC Holiday Food and Toys Button

Eligibility for Thanksgiving Basket

Residents of Ashburnham, Gardner, Hubbardston and Westminster who meet income guidelines may apply. Food baskets are for households of 2 or more individuals. Limit one food basket per household. 

Eligibility for Holiday Toys

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

Children are NOT permitted to be in attendance 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.

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.