For over 30 years, Adopt-a-Family has helped generous community members bring joy to local families, ensuring they experience the warmth and wonder of the season.
In Santa Cruz County, more families than ever are hoping for a holiday miracle. Nearly 600 families—including over 2,000 children and teens—are on this year’s Adopt-a-Family list, making it the largest in our program’s history. These are families from all walks of life who face difficult times and often heartbreaking challenges.
Lily is a single mother from North County, who recently transitioned from a shelter into a small apartment with her two young children. Without family nearby and a limited income, Lily does everything she can to give her children, Emma and Leo, a stable, happy home. But extra funds for holiday gifts, warm clothing, and books her kids love are hard to come by. By adopting a family like Lily’s, you’re helping bring joy and warmth to their holiday, making their first winter in a new home one to remember.
Carlos, a devoted father, recently found housing for his family after months of homelessness. His two sons, Jake and Max, are finally thriving in school, excited about having a place to call home. But the holidays are financially tough for Carlos. By adopting his family, you’re giving them a holiday filled with support and community care, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Angela came to Santa Cruz from El Salvador with her 7-year-old son Eric after escaping an abusive relationship. Her two older daughters were left behind but eventually made it to Santa Cruz, and Angela was overjoyed to be reunited with them. However, as a single mother and sole provider, Angela struggles to meet her family’s basic needs. Through Adopt-a-Family, your support will make this holiday season one of togetherness, support, and joy for Angela and her children.
With your support, these families and hundreds more like them will experience the warmth and hope of the holidays!
Here are four ways to help:
- Adopt-a-Family: Visit the Adopt-a-Family website, select a family to support, and help fulfill their holiday wish list. Each family provides a list of essentials and special gifts for their children, from diapers and winter coats to headphones and books. Once you’ve chosen a family, simply shop from their list and deliver the items to our warehouse in December. It’s a meaningful, hands-on way to directly impact a family in need.
- Donate and Let the Elves Do the Shopping: No time to shop? No problem. Make a donation online, and our dedicated team of volunteer “Elves” will handle the shopping, wrapping, and delivery for you!
- Host a Toy Drive: Turn your holiday gathering or office party into a toy drive! Invite guests to bring toys, grocery gift cards, or essentials for local families. We’ll provide you with a gift list so your guests can choose items that make a big impact.
- Give Your Time and Talent: Our Holiday Volunteer Guide has dozens of opportunities to support Adopt-a-Family and other local nonprofits. From gift wrapping to holiday food distributions, there’s a way for everyone to volunteer and spread holiday cheer.
When you support Adopt-a-Family, you’re giving much more than presents; you’re giving local families hope, kindness, and joy during a time when they need it most. With your help, children will receive warm clothing, toys, and books—simple items that create a world of happiness. And parents, who may be facing some of life’s toughest challenges, will experience the support of a community that stands by them.
Sign up now!
Visit www.scvolunteercenter.org to learn more, adopt a family, or make a donation. For questions, please contact our Adopt-a-Family Hotline at 831-457-9834. If you’re inspired to volunteer, explore the Holiday Volunteer Guide on our website for more ways to get involved this season.
This holiday season, let’s make Santa Cruz a brighter place for all. Whether you adopt a family, make a donation, volunteer, or host a toy drive, your support matters. Together, we can ensure every family feels the magic of the holiday.
