LOS ANGELES, November 30, 2017 – Last December, Rosa* and her family of six children had given up hope that the holidays would be joyful. Rosa, recently free from an abusive relationship, could barely afford a one-bedroom apartment where all seven slept on one mattress or on the floor. Buying presents for her children or providing a holiday meal would be an impossible financial stretch.
However, Hillsides, who was providing the family with counseling and referral services, stepped in. Through the charity’s Adopt-A-Family program for the holidays, generous donors provided Rosa and her children with holiday joy. The family received clothes, shoes, towels, a grocery store gift card, as well as soccer balls and games, turning what would have been a depressing holiday season into one where the family felt cared for and loved.
Rosa's family is not uncommon in their struggle. Many of the 14,000 children and families Hillsides serves would not enjoy any holiday gifts or meals without assistance.
This year, Hillsides is once again launching an Adopt-A-Family program, where community members can provide families with holiday gifts and gift cards for food. The goal to help 55 families in need. Community members can choose the size of the family they wish to adopt, ranging from small (1 – 3 people), medium (3 – 5 people), or large (five plus individuals). The cost of adopting each family member is approximately $100. The deadline for adopting and shopping for a family is December 11.
To adopt a family, please contact either Community Resources Director Laura Kelso at lkelso@hillsides.org or 323-254-2274, ext. 1251, or Community Resources Coordinator Stephanie Lopez at slopez@hillsides.org or 323-254-2274, ext. 1258. Donors will receive a family profile with specific needs and wishes of each family member and instructions on shopping and dropping off the items. Or donors can adopt a family online at http://bit.ly/Hillsidesadoptafamily.
For those unable to commit to adopting a family, Hillsides is also asking for gift cards in increments of $25 to stores such as Food 4 Less, Ralphs, Smart & Final, Walmart, and Vons. Those interested in purchasing gift cards can contact Kelso or Lopez.
About Hillsides:
Hillsides is dedicated to healing children and young adults, strengthening families, and transforming communities through quality comprehensive services and advocacy. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the agency serves 14,000 children and families in Southern California throughout more than 40 sites, including school-based mental health offices in Los Angeles, Pasadena, and Baldwin Park. Foster care and adoptions services are offered in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. To learn more about Hillsides, please visit www.Hillsides.org. Visit Hillsides on Facebook @hillsideschildren, on Twitter @Hillsides, or on Instagram @HillsidesPasadena.
*First name used to protect client’s privacy.
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