“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of another.” — Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross
The holiday season is right around the corner! While many of us are planning gifts and gatherings with loved ones, countless families in our community are preparing for another challenging year. Rising living costs and ongoing uncertainty have made it even harder to meet basic needs. The emotional toll can also weigh heavily on mental health.
That’s why our annual Adopt-A-Family program is so meaningful. It provides families with much-needed essentials, a sense of hope, and a little extra holiday cheer when it’s needed most.
What Is the Adopt-A-Family Program?
Each year, The Guidance Center invites caring neighbors to adopt a family for the holidays. Donors shop from personalized wish lists for children and caregivers of all ages, helping to make the season brighter for those who could use extra support.
Prefer to give a monetary gift instead of shopping? Your donation helps purchase gift cards, giving families the flexibility to meet their unique needs.
All gifts are delivered to our Long Beach headquarters to protect each family’s privacy and dignity.
Whether this is your first year or your tenth, your kindness brings comfort and hope, especially as more families face growing challenges this holiday season.
Adopt-A-Family 2024: By The Numbers
Last year, holiday cheer reached 103 families, totaling 435 children and caregivers. Behind every number is a story of hope, kindness, and community connection.
How Do I Adopt-A-Family?
Not sure how it works? Watch this short video to learn how you can adopt a family and make the holidays brighter.
4 Quick Steps To Get Started:
Ready to share some holiday joy? Here’s how to participate in just four simple steps!
Step 1: Please fill out a sign-up form! Include your name and your contact information.
After completing your Adopt-A-Family Registration Form, you will be contacted by someone from The Guidance Center’s Development team. This is when you will receive information about your adopted family, including a brief story about the family and why they will benefit from being adopted this holiday season.
Step 2:Purchase and wrap your gifts!
Next, you will be provided a holiday wish list for the family you’re adopting. You can use this as a guide when shopping for gifts. You also have the option to purchase gift cards. We just kindly ask that you please purchase from retailers where they are stored in locked and secured areas (i.e. Target and Ralph’s). This is to decrease the likelihood of fraud and ensure credibility.
Step 3:Decorate a festive holiday card.
This is where the true holiday spirit will come alive! Include a heartfelt message and, if you’d like, sign your first name. Invite friends, coworkers, or loved ones to join in the fun!
Step 4:Deliver your wrapped gifts and holiday cards!
Attach a tag with each family member’s name, then sign up for a designated drop-off time. You will deliver gifts to our Long Beach headquarters; we are the bright green building located at 1301 Pine Avenue on the corner of Anaheim and Pine.
Our team will greet you and help unload your gifts with gratitude!
Ready to make an impact? Sign up today!
Make an impact this holiday season and spread holiday cheer! The deadline to sign up is Monday, December 1st, 2025.
For more information, please see our list of frequently asked questions: Adopt-A-Family FAQ or contact our Chief Development Officer, Lorraine Lyou, at llyou@tgclb.org or 562-485-2276.
