Utica, NY. On behalf of JCTOD, Outreach, Inc., dba Johnson Center, (JPC); The programs operated under its auspices—including the Johnson Park Center Free Choice Food Pantry, the Head, Hand & Heart (HHH) Youth Program, and the JPC/JPA Shelter & Safe Supportive Housing Program—we extend our sincere invitation to the community for the upcoming JPC Free Christmas Presents and Food Giveaway.

This event is dedicated to supporting disadvantaged families, seniors, and individuals in need, and will be held at 1418 West Street, Utica, New York 13501, snow/rain or shine, on Monday, December 8, 2025; Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm; and Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

We welcome all low-income families, seniors, and single individuals who meet the eligibility criteria established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). All first-time visitors to the Food Pantry must present valid identification for all household members. Acceptable forms of government-issued ID include:

1. Birth Certificates

2. New York State Driver's Licenses

3. New York State Photo IDs

4. Social Security Cards

5. New York State Benefit Cards

6. Medicaid Cards

7. Medicare Cards

For individuals seeking recertification for the JPC Annual Low-Income Certification, please bring your current JPC Food Pantry Card (JPCFPC), along with valid government-issued IDs for all household members, and verify eligibility according to USDA income guidelines.

Please have a look at the attached flyer for a comprehensive list of the 

food that will be given to the community,

Regarding the Christmas Presents Giveaway, all registered children from infants to 18 years of age, listed on the household's registration, will receive gifts. Participants must:

1. Possess a current JPCFPC

2. Have a temporary JPCFPC issued on-site during the event for new, lost, or updated applications

3. For adults aged 19 and above, receive one gift per registered adult listed as the head of household.

Registration staff will issue Christmas Present Tickets based on household registration. 

Parking is available for attendees, with entry points located at Ricky Powell and Brian West Memorial Park, situated at the corner of Arthur and 1420 West Streets, which leads to 1418 West Street. Please visit our registration station upon arrival.

Our registration team will verify household identities by scanning each head of household's JPCFPC with a government-issued ID. To facilitate a smooth process, please make sure that your ID matches the one on file with JPCFPC.

If you need to recover your JPCFPC, you may be asked to provide your name and have your card processed. If your card cannot be located, you will need to complete a new Food Pantry Intake Application at the Johnson Park Green Community Center Food Pantry Wing, located at 1415 West Street.

For first-time or updating visits, the process involves completing a Food Pantry Intake Application at the Johnson Park Green Community Center Food Pantry Wing. The staff will issue a JPCFPC or temporary card valid for that day.

Guests will proceed through the registration and food distribution stations, where verification and documentation will take place. At the Christmas Presents station, tickets will be exchanged for gifts. Please exit the food pantry area after collecting your food and/or presents. Merry Christmas!

We appreciate your continued support and participation in initiatives at Johnson Park Center (JPC). 

Rev. Dr. Maria A. Scates, D.D.

President, CEO, and Founder

2025 Income Guidelines*

Household Size Income

1 $35,213

2 $47,588

3 $59,963

4 $72,338

5 $84,713

6 $97,088

7 $109,463

8 $121,838

For each additional person, 

add: $12,375