The holidays can be a difficult time for families facing financial hardship – but with Sycamores’ Adopt-A-Family Program, community members can help make the season brighter. Each year, this cherished Sycamores tradition connects generous donors with families in need by providing gifts such as toys, clothing, household items, grocery gift cards and food.
Sycamores, a Pasadena-based nonprofit serving vulnerable families across Southern California, is inviting donors to participate in its annual Adopt-A-Family program, which provides holiday gifts to children, youth and families facing financial hardship.
The program connects donors with families identified through Sycamores’ behavioral health and housing services. Participants receive anonymized wish lists and narratives about each family’s circumstances, then purchase gifts such as toys, clothing, household items and grocery gift cards.
Sycamores recommends spending approximately $50 per family member and an additional $50–$100 on a shared family gift.
“This program is about more than just gifts; it’s about giving families a sense of hope and showing them they are not alone,” said President and CEO Debra Manners, who has led the organization since 2015.
“The need among local families continues to grow, and this holiday season we are seeing a particularly strong need for grocery gift cards to help families put food on the table. Through Adopt-A-Family, generous community members provide gifts and essentials to families facing significant financial hardship – often making possible the only holiday celebration they will have,” Manners said.
Local participation includes La Salle High School’s Alumni Association, which is marking its 30th year of involvement by adopting at least five families. A wrapping party is scheduled for Dec. 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the school’s dining hall.
Sycamores’ full range of services includes residential treatment, outpatient mental health care, foster care and adoption, transitional housing and crisis stabilization.
Founded in 1902 by Pasadena resident Fannie Rowland, Sycamores operates from nine locations, including its Oakland Avenue office in Pasadena and El Nido campus in Altadena. The organization serves over 37,000 individuals annually and is licensed by the California Department of Social Services, certified by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, and accredited by The Joint Commission.
For more information or to participate, donors are encouraged to contact Sycamores directly or visit sycamores.org.
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