Brighten The Season For Families In
Maricopa County

Light Up the Holidays With JFCS Adopt A Family

For over two decades, the Jewish Family & Children's Service (JFCS) Adopt A Family program has been a source of hope and joy for families in need during the holiday season. To date, we’ve provided gifts for over 1,500 families in Maricopa County! If you're searching for a heartfelt way to spread holiday cheer right here in our community, we invite you to join us in this long-standing tradition.

Thanks to your incredible generosity, we were able to brighten the season for 110 families, 37 teens and 67 older adults in 2024. Every dollar raised goes straight to those in need, ensuring that our neighbors experience the true warmth of the holiday season.

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How Does the Adopt A Family Program Work?

JFCS Clinicians Nominate Families

Families are identified as those in need of the most assistance.

Wish Lists Created

Includes family profile and wish list of needs and wants.

Donors Shop For Items

Can supplement with gift cards. No food please.

Donors Drop Off Items

Donors transport wrapped items to the JFCS Program office in Central Phoenix.

Gifts Are Delivered

Gifts are distributed by team members to adopted families.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I get for my family?
The amount of the donation is entirely up to you. Some donors set an amount for each family member, some choose a few items from each family member’s wish list and some purchase everything on the list.

Can I adopt more than one family?
Of course! This is ideal for businesses and organizations.

What if I can't adopt a whole family but still want to help?
Sponsors have the option of “adopting” a teen through the JFCS Transition to Adulthood program or donating directly to the JFCS Adopt A Family program by clicking here. Donations in the form of a check can be mailed to:

Jewish Family & Children’s Service
ATTN: Kathy Rood, Adopt A Family
2017 N. 7^th St. Phoenix, AZ 85006

Should I wrap the gifts for my adopted family?
Donors can deliver wrapped gifts to the JFCS Jewish Program office at 2017 N. 7th St. Phoenix, AZ 85006.

How are families nominated for the program?
JFCS clinicians and caseworkers choose the most financially disadvantaged families and ask them if they would like to participate.

How do I know what to buy for my family?
We work directly with the family to create a wish list that may include gift suggestions, gift card preferences and other needed items. You do not need to purchase everything on the list (unless you want to!) and are free to choose how much or how little you want to purchase.

What about giving gift cards?
We have the families indicate what gift cards would be useful to them. It is entirely up to you as to whether you give a gift card.

Can I give non-perishable items?
Food donations should be in the form of grocery store gift cards so families can choose the foods they need the most. Bulk cleaning supplies are always needed and appreciated by our families. We do not accept fresh and non-perishable food items or food gift baskets.

How do the gifts get to the adopted families?
To maintain privacy for donors and recipients, JFCS team members will deliver your gifts to your family during mid-December.

I submitted my electronic form. When will I receive information on my adopted family? You should receive information about the family you’ve adopted, tips to help make the process easy and enjoyable and delivery details within a few days of submitting your form. If after a week, you still haven't received any information, please call our program director, Kathy Rood, at 602-762-7319 or send an email to Kathy.Rood@jfcsaz.org.

Is my donation tax deductible?
You bet! Gifts and gift cards are tax deductible as in-kind (not cash) donations.