It’s that time again! Now that Halloween has passed us by, winter holiday tunes are already playing on the radio and advertisements about holiday shopping are already popping up. But for some families, this can be a melancholy reminder that they aren’t able to enjoy such a bountiful holiday season if they have faced socio-economic difficulties, job losses, health emergencies, housing issues, or other extenuating circumstances. At the YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley, we strive to help the families served in our various programs by asking our community supporters to Adopt-A-Family this holiday season.

Help us make the holidays brighter for women and children in need. “Adopt” one of the many women and girls taking part in the YWCA Pasadena’s girls empowerment programs or adult learning classes and shop for wish-list items such as warm winter clothing, unwrapped new toys and gifts, holiday food supplies, or even gift cards to Target, Walmart, and grocery stores so that our participant families can celebrate a joyous holiday together.

More about the Adopt-a-Family Program:

  • Decide how many people you would like to “adopt.” (We will match donors and families based on the number of people participating and the items needed.)
  • We will provide you with a list of family members, including ages and gift wishes.
  • Please purchase 1-3 gifts for each person on your list.
  • Gift cards for Target, Wal-Mart, grocery stores, or gas cards are also welcome.
  • Please drop off unwrapped gift items to the YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley, located at 1015 N. Lake Ave, Suite 205, Pasadena CA 91104 by Friday, December 18th.
    • Please call ahead of time to notify us of items to be dropped off and so that we have staff available to assist.

When you give to the YWCA Pasadena’s Adopt-a-Family, you make a real impact on women and children in need. Your gifts go directly to a family that has faced poverty, violence, or even homelessness. Every donation makes a difference. Adopt-a-Family is a great way to build good cheer in your home or workplace AND support your community. 

Please contact us today at 626-296-8433 or email Jessica Kubel at jkubel@ywca-pasadena.org more information. Thank you for supporting the YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley!

 

FAQs for Holiday Donors

How can I (or my group/business) support families at the YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley during the holidays?

The YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley offers a variety of ways for individuals, groups, service clubs, or businesses to get involved in supporting families for the holidays. You can help by supporting holiday meal needs, donating unwrapped new toys and gifts, or gift cards (Target, Walmart, grocery stores, and gas cards are most needed), or supporting a wish list through our Adopt-a-Family program.

Who does the Adopt-a-Family program serve?

The Adopt-A-Family program serves YWCA Pasadena families who are struggling financially. The YWCA aims to provide families in need with support to empower them to maintain a stable home environment for their children as they overcome difficult socioeconomic circumstances. Adopt-A-Family only supports families actively participating in programs and services from the YWCA Pasadena with the highest need. Need is determined by program staff.


How much does it cost to adopt a family?

The cost varies depending on the size of the family, the types of items they are requesting, and what you choose to purchase. We have a wide range of families seeking assistance and are often able to accommodate donor requests regarding size. Feel free to contact us to discuss this and share any specific requests you have regarding family size.

How do I know what to buy?

Each family completes a wish list of wants and needs for each family member (ex: 1 adult, two children). The wish list will be shared with the donor supporting that family along with any special instructions to make the process as easy as possible and gift delivery details.

Can I buy gift cards instead of gifts?

Gift cards are a wonderful way to support the needs of families during the holidays. Gift cards allow the YWCA Pasadena to support the needs of families that might be last minute or more personal in nature. The most useful cards are to Target, Walmart, grocery stores, or gas stations.

What do I want to do if I want to support other holiday needs, like meal support?

To learn more about other ways to get involved or discuss ideas not mentioned, please contact Jessica Kubel to determine how you might be able to help families at the YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley.

Is there a deadline for holiday giving?

Our goal is to provide family wish lists to donors supporting the Adopt-a-Family program before December 1st to allow adequate time to shop for gifts.  Although we anticipate having family needs arise in the weeks before December 25th, we hope to confirm most of the program support by the end of November.  If you aren’t able to reach out until after that time, we’d still love to hear from you, so please contact us to discuss any questions about how you might be able to help.  All gifts are needed by the YWCA Pasadena by Friday, December 18th to ensure we have time to get the items to families.

Who can I call if I would like to support the YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley during the holidays, or if I have questions?

Please contact Jessica Kubel, Associate Director, at (626) 296-8433 or jkubel@ywca-pasadena.org.