Adopt a Family

Adopt-a-Family 2011 is full!

This is a problem that we never anticipated.  Thanks to the generosity of our community, all of our eligible client families have been adopted.

There are, however, more than 250 families on the waiting list for family shelter that do not participate in Adopt-a-Family because physically managing gifts when you do not have a place to live can be almost impossible.  In order to make the holidays special for these families, we are hoping to be able to provide gift cards to local grocery and department stores.  If you would like to make a contribution toward this fund, or donate a gift card directly, please contact us. 

There are also many, many other ways to support our programs directly.  Visit our Adopt-a-Family blog to learn more. 

About Adopt-a-Family

Compass’ Adopt-a-Family project pairs individuals or groups from the community with needy families who lack the resources to buy holiday gifts.  For many families, these gifts are the only ones they will receive this holiday season.  Last year, Adopt-a-Family reached more than 400 families. Help us continue to spread the holiday joy this season!

Please note the guidelines below:

Figuring out the size family to adopt

It is important to be realistic about the size family you and your group would like to adopt. The average family size is 4 people, but our families range from a single parent and child to up to ten family members. All family members living in the household are eligible to receive gifts.

This year, we are asking participants to purchase:

·  For each adult 18 years old and over – at least one gift card (minimum $75 total)

·  For each child under 18 – three gifts (families are encouraged to ask for gifts costing $50 or less)

·  One grocery gift card for the family (suggested amount is $25 per family member. Example, a family of four would be $100)

Purchasing Your Gifts

We encourage each donor to purchase the specific item requested, rather than substituting another gift. If it is too difficult to find the requested gift, please review the sample gift giving guide on our website or blog which provides a list of gifts at appropriate prices.

You are more than welcome to do more for your family if you choose to. You do not have to buy everything on the family’s wish list. In addition to the gifts you purchase, you may also include stockings for each family member to make the holiday feel more festive.

However, like the rest of us, many of our families have bigger wishes and needs so we have also made space on the wish list form for them to include larger or special requests, which you are not obligated to fulfill. The special gift section may include:

·  higher priced items

·  family gifts such as a microwave, vacuum cleaner or dishes

·  gifts the family would like to enjoy using together such as movie passes or tickets to a sporting event

Dropping Off Gifts

You will be responsible for dropping the gifts off at one of our three designated San Francisco locations during the week of December 12^th   

You will be given your drop off location along with your family’s wish list.

There will be one weekend drop-off day: Saturday, December 17^th.  This will be the final drop-off day, as families start picking up their gifts the following week. Please note: we do not have drop off locations outside of our three designated locations within San Francisco.

If you have been assigned a family and you find that you are unable to meet the Adopt-a-Family guidelines, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Kristin immediately so that the family can be reassigned to another donor. Families will receive their gifts during the week of December 21^st.

Tax Information

All purchases are tax deductible. You will receive a thank you letter the second week of January describing your participation in the program. Keep your receipts so you can attach those to the letter for tax purposes. Our tax ID # is 94-1156622.

Questions?

Review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you are unable to find the answer to your question or you want more information before signing up, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Kristin directly.

More great ways to help during the holidays!