Help Make The Season Bright For Families In Maricopa County

About the Adopt A Family Program

For over two decades, generous donors have opened their hearts to help make the holiday season bright for families in Maricopa County through the Jewish Family & Children's Service (JFCS) Adopt A Family program. While many families receive gifts specifically for Christmas, the JFCS Adopt A Family program is the only one in Phoenix serving families for Hanukkah, too.

All donations received by our Adopt A Family program are distributed back to families. These families are nominated by JFCS clinicians and caseworkers closely connected with the most financially disadvantaged in their communities. Families are matched with donors who have generously volunteered to “adopt” a family for the holidays. Each donor receives a family profile, a wish list of needs and wants and drop off information. And every gift goes directly to that donor’s adopted family.

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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.

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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

Can I send a donation or do I have to do the shopping for my adopted family?
Yes! You can make a financial donation in lieu of purchasing gifts. The donation will be turned into gift cards for your adopted family.

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..

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 between December 14th and 21st.

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.

Thank You to Those Who Have Donated to Adopt A Family

To date, we’ve provided gifts to more than 1,500 families in Maricopa County!