Making the Holidays Bright in Santa Cruz County

This holiday season, our community came together in an extraordinary way to make a difference for those in need.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of over 1,000 donors, adopters, volunteers, sponsors, and partners, the Adopt-A-Family program served more families than ever before, including:

  • 600 families adopted, with more than 2,000 gifts provided for children, teens, and isolated seniors.
  • Over $154,000 in grocery gift cards distributed, ensuring warm holiday meals and essential supplies for families.
  • This year marked the largest distribution effort in the history of the Adopt-A-Family program.

Volunteer Jen Jacobs checks her list twice to prepare for distribution during the 31st annual Adopt-A-Family effort. Photo by Shmuel Thaler / Santa Cruz Sentinel.

Powered by Community

The success of Adopt-A-Family is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together as a community. Through our partnership with over 30 local agencies, the Volunteer Center identified families in need, then coordinated efforts of volunteers, donors, businesses, and local media, to make sure that no one was left behind.

The Espe Family from Aptos volunteers at the donation center.
Photo by Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
Volunteers fold clothing and wrap gifts.
Photo by Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
The team from the Volunteer Center Avenues Program
spends a day sorting gifts at the donation center.
Volunteer Center awesome admin team
Maria Sanchez and Melissa Gallardo shop for wishlist items for local families.
Volunteering is the best way to spend time with friends!
And family, too.

Special Thanks to:

  • Granite Construction: For adopting families in South County, coordinating a massive toy drive, and ensuring every child had a gift.
  • The Capitola Mall: For generously donating the former Sears store as our donation center, where thousands of gifts were sorted and distributed.
  • Our Media Partners: KION, The Santa Cruz Sentinel, and Lookout Local, whose coverage inspired even more people to give.
  • Christina Thurston, our Director of Volunteer Engagement: The driving force behind this program. Christina’s tireless efforts, attention to detail, and dedication ensured every family and child received the support they needed.

Star Businesses Shine Bright

To the dozens of local businesses that hosted toy drives, thank you for being the heart and soul of this community effort!

Cabrillo College Nursing David Lyng Real EstatePGESanta Cruz Surgery Center 
Cal FireDel Mar TheaterPlay it Again SportsScarborough Gardens
Central FireGateway SchoolPure Valley WaterSt. Stephens Lutheran Church
Cardinal Car ClubHome/WorkSanta Cruz AcupunctureStitchers by the Sea
Cirque Tumble Cheer (CTC)KindPeoplesSanta Cruz Auto & TireSugar Smith
Communication with StyleLydia Harville – State Farm AgencySanta Cruz County BankTara Redwood School
Crossfit Santa CruzMelinda’s Gluten Free BakerySanta Cruz Cycle Sport

Partner Agencies

We are incredibly grateful to the over 30 local agencies who worked tirelessly to identify families in need and deliver gifts to homes across the county. These partners are the backbone of Adopt-A-Family, connecting you to individuals and families who benefit most.

CalWORKs Employment Services (CWES)Empowered Aging – Volunteer CenterJanus Community Clinic north and southParents Center
CASAEncompass Community Services – Head StartJanus PerinatalPVPSA
Community Bridges Family Resource CollectiveFamilies in TransitionLa Manzana Community ResourcesPVUSD – Healthy Start Program
Community Connection/ CalworksFamilies Together / EncompassLive Oak School DistrictStudents in Transition
County of Santa Cruz MAT ClinicFamily & Children’s ServicesMonarch ServicesVictim Witness Assistance Program
CTIS Nursing Case ManagementFamily PartnershipMountain Resource CenterVolunteer Center Literacy Program
Davenport Resource Service CenterFriends Outside, Volunteer Center ProgramNurse Family Partnership ProgramWelcoming Network
DUNCAN HOLBERTHPHPPajaro Valley Shelter ServicesWord of Life Church

Looking Ahead

While this year’s Adopt-A-Family campaign has concluded, the spirit of giving doesn’t have to stop. Our Holiday Volunteer Guide features opportunities to continue making a difference in the new year, including upcoming events like our Annual Winter Coat Drive and MLK Day of Service in January.

Stay tuned for details about our Be the Difference Awards in May, where we’ll celebrate the incredible individuals and organizations who make our community stronger and more connected.

Thank You, Santa Cruz!

This was the largest Adopt-A-Family effort ever, and it truly took a village to make it happen. We are so honored to be of service to a community that is driven to bring hope and joy to those who need it most.

With heartfelt gratitude,
The Volunteer Center Team