Poteau • Heavener • LeFlore County
Where Can a Low-Income Family in LeFlore County Get Christmas Help for Kids?
Short answer: call LeFlore County Youth Services at 510 N Broadway in Poteau, (918) 647-4196. It runs the LeFlore County Adopt-An-Angel program, where families apply and local donors buy Christmas gifts for each child. Spots are limited, so call now and ask if applications are still open. The Salvation Army in Heavener, (918) 653-4815, is another place to ask.
Christmas help for kids
The short answer
The main Christmas program for kids in the county is the LeFlore County Adopt-An-Angel program run by LeFlore County Youth Services, 510 N Broadway in Poteau, (918) 647-4196. Families fill out an application, and donors in the community pay for gifts for each child on the list.
In past years applications opened October 1 at the LCYS office and closed once the list was full, so do not wait. Call and ask if they are still taking angels this year and what to bring.
You can also ask the Salvation Army in Heavener, 106 Gretna, (918) 653-4815, or dial 211 to hear about other Christmas help near you.
- Adopt-An-Angel: LeFlore County Youth Services, 510 N Broadway, Poteau · (918) 647-4196
- Salvation Army: 106 Gretna, Heavener · (918) 653-4815
- Online check: SAAngelTree.org · type your zip code
- Choctaw families: District 4 community centers in Poteau, Spiro and Heavener
- Anything else: Dial 211
🎄 Start here
LeFlore County Youth Services Adopt-An-Angel
LeFlore County Youth Services is a nonprofit in Poteau that works with kids and families in LeFlore and Haskell counties. Its Adopt-An-Angel program is the county's angel tree: families apply, and local people, churches and businesses sponsor each child's Christmas gifts.
In past years the application had to be picked up at the LCYS office at 510 N Broadway, and the program took a set number of children before closing. Call (918) 647-4196 on a weekday to ask if applications are open, when they close, and how to turn yours in.
Papers they have asked for before: each child's Social Security card, proof of household income, a photo ID for the parent or guardian, proof of any help like SNAP, TANF, Social Security or child support, and custody papers for children who are not your own. Your ID and proof of income need to match.
🤝 More places to ask
Salvation Army, Choctaw Nation, schools and 211
The Salvation Army in Heavener is at 106 Gretna, (918) 653-4815. Call and ask what Christmas help they have this year. You can also type your zip code at SAAngelTree.org to see if your area takes Angel Tree sign-ups online.
If your children are Choctaw tribal members, the Choctaw Nation community centers in Heavener, Spiro and Poteau held Christmas toy giveaways for tribal children last December, with Santa handing out the toys. Call your nearest community center to ask about this year's date.
Your child's school counselor often knows about church and school angel trees for the kids they serve, and dialing 211 can point you to other holiday help near you.
🎁 Want to help?
How to sponsor a child in LeFlore County
To sponsor an angel, call LeFlore County Youth Services at (918) 647-4196. In 2024 a $55 donation covered one child, with donations taken until early December.
Donations can be dropped off or mailed by cash or check to LeFlore County Youth Services, P.O. Box 711, 510 N Broadway, Poteau, or given online through PayPal on the LCYS website.
📅 This week & coming up
Coming up around Poteau and LeFlore County
Donald W Reynolds Community Center · 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Neill's Touch of Class Flowers & Gifts · 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Spiro Main Street · 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
The Coffee Cup · 8:30 AM
LeFlore County Historical Museum · 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
💡 Before you go
Tips before you apply
Call soon
Angel lists have a set number of spots and close when they fill.
Gather papers first
Social Security cards, proof of income, your ID and any custody papers.
Know the sizes
Have each child's clothing and shoe sizes and a toy wish ready.
Apply in one place
Programs often share lists, so one application per child is best.
Ask the school
Counselors often know about smaller church and school angel trees.
❓ Good to know
Common questions
Where can a low-income family in LeFlore County get Christmas help for kids?
Call LeFlore County Youth Services in Poteau at (918) 647-4196 about its Adopt-An-Angel program, and the Salvation Army in Heavener at (918) 653-4815. Dial 211 for other help near you.
Is there an angel tree in Poteau?
Yes. LeFlore County Youth Services at 510 N Broadway runs the LeFlore County Adopt-An-Angel program. Call (918) 647-4196 to ask if applications are open.
What do I need to sign my kids up for the angel tree in LeFlore County?
In past years: each child's Social Security card, proof of household income, a parent's photo ID, proof of any assistance, and custody papers if needed. Call first to check this year's list.
Is there Christmas help in Heavener?
The Salvation Army is at 106 Gretna in Heavener, (918) 653-4815. Call and ask what Christmas help they have this year.
How do I adopt an angel in LeFlore County?
Call LeFlore County Youth Services at (918) 647-4196. In 2024 a $55 donation sponsored one child, given by cash, check or PayPal.
🧭 Keep planning