As the holiday season approaches, it’s a time for connection, celebration, and giving. Yet for many children and families in our community, this time of year can also bring added stress and uncertainty. The pressure of balancing everyday expenses with seasonal expectations can make an already difficult situation even more overwhelming, affecting both financial stability and emotional well-being.
Here’s where you come in! Participate in our annual Adopt-A-Family program to provide 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 will get matched with a family and shop from personalized wish lists for children and caregivers of all ages. Every gift–no matter the size– will help make the season brighter for those who could use extra support this time of year.
Prefer to give a monetary gift instead of shopping? You are welcome to make a donation, which our staff can use to purchase gift cards for families to use 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 you are a continuous supporter, your kindness brings comfort and hope, especially as more families face growing challenges this holiday season.
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 spread some holiday joy? See below for 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, 2026.
For questions, 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.
How Will You Make an Impact?
When you adopt a family, you’re giving more than holiday gifts. You’re helping ease financial stress, creating moments of joy, and reminding children and caregivers that their community cares.
Last year, our Adopt-A-Family program brought holiday cheer to 102 families, including 406 children and caregivers. This year, you can help us bring that same joy and support to even more families.
This year, we hope to continue spreading kindness, creating meaningful memories, and making the holiday season a little brighter for families in our community.
