Holiday Wishlists
Happy Holidays!! While the holiday season is one of my favorite times of year, I know it can be an incredibly stressful time for families who are struggling financially. With this in mind, one of my favorite holiday traditions is being matched with a family in need and playing Santa. Fulfilling a wishlist and knowing how meaningful it is to both the children and their families is both gratifying and fun (shopping for toys truly brings out my inner child). As cliche as it is, sometimes the best gift is giving to someone else.
Two of my favorite LA-based organizations that match you with a family in need and give you a wishlist to fulfill are: Adopt-a-Family and Upward Bound House.
Adopt a Family
To participate:
Fill out the form linked here.
Purchase physical gifts and drop them off at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels at 555 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90012 or mail them to the Adopt-a-Family program at 3424 Wilshire Blvd, 3rd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010.
Please note that gifts are due by December 6th. You should expect to spend $200-$250 per family member.
For additional information, see here.
Upward Bound House
To sign up, either fill out the form linked here, or call Nurit Gootin at (310) 927-1565 or e-mail ngootin@upwardboundhouse.org.
Once you purchase your gifts, please drop them off at between December 15th and 19th at their UBH Admin office in Santa Monica (1104 Washington Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90403.)
Please note the expected spend per individual is $125, and you pick the number of individuals you would like to sponsor.
Baby2Baby also has their own version of an adopt-family program, called Family2Family. The organization recognizes that children still need basic necessities around the holidays, not just toys. This program matches each donor with a child in need and gives them a list of basic necessities, such as diapers, socks, sneakers and more. When these children receive basic essentials, their families can focus their extremely limited funds on other necessities.
To participate, fill out the form linked here.
If you are in Los Angeles, you can drop off your donation at their LA Headquarters located at 5830 W. Jefferson Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90026 between December 8th and 11th.
If you are in New York, you can drop off at 60 E. Tremont Ave. Bronx, NY, 10453.
Please note each care package costs approx $250.
If you don’t have the time this season to shop for gifts, you can make the same impact by fulfilling Amazon wishlist items for the organizations below.
Los Angeles Based:
Wayfinder: https://www.wayfinderfamily.org/so-cal-holiday-toy-drive
Wayfinder provides expert, individualized support and services to children, youth and adults, from those who have vision loss or profound special needs to foster youth with serious medical conditions or trauma, and their families.
Your donations will be distributed to individuals in their programs. Items can be ordered from Amazon and sent directly to the organization. If you’d like to participate, please send items on their wishlist to the address below. Please note donations are accepted until December 12th.
Attn: Lindsey Fassbender
5300 Angeles Vista Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90043
LA Family Housing: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/114FULSUMT67R/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex
LA Family Housing helps people transition out of homelessness and poverty through a continuum of housing enriched with supportive services.
On December 7th, they are hosting a Winder Wonderland celebration where over 300 families join for games, holiday treats, and toys. Your donations will be distributed to families in need at this event. Please make sure items are delivered before December 4th. Click here for more information.
San Francisco Based:
Compass: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/RC74AQP0Z0IN?ref_=wl_share
Compass Family Services leads the way in helping San Francisco families facing homelessness secure stable housing and attain economic self-sufficiency and family well-being.
Gifts from the Amazon wishlist will be placed directly in their holiday pop up shop. These donations will help support families that are new to Compass and missed the chance to register for their Adopt-a-Family program.
New York City Based:
Hudson Guild: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/O91E4KRMAJCO/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex
This organization creates and sustain a strong, effective community that acknowledges and responds to the potential, achievements and interdependence of its diverse members. Rooted in and primarily focused on the Chelsea neighborhood, the organization seeks to empower all individuals and families to achieve their highest potential, while maintaining a priority focus on those in economic need.
Your donations will be given directly to families enrolled in their programming.
Homes for the Homeless (HFH): https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1PMBOVK2Y04H4?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_ggr-subnav-share_FEY8ADKAZKHYQH075KSQ
HFH operates shelters for families experiencing homelessness in NYC. Their family residences are more than just a place to sleep. Families can make the most of their stay through accessing an array of onsite programs, such as early childhood education, after school & recreation, and family services & employment.
Your donations will be given directly to families enrolled in their programming.