561 families were Embraced this year! Thank you for our more than 225 donors for your tremendous support!

We'd like to share a few of our thank you notes:

“Dear nicest family in the world, thank you so so much for the beds. This is the first time I ever got my own bed. You and your family are amazing, kind, and smart. Guess what, I am 9 and so so thankful for your family and you. Happy Hanukkah.”

“Since I have not been able to work this year, my family and I have been struggling. I would not have been able to celebrate the holidays and give gifts to my family without your help. I just want you to know how happy you made me and my children. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for thinking about my family and for all these thoughtful presents.”

“The generosity you have shown our family renders us speechless! Not many years ago, it was my children and myself who were purchasing items for this program to provide for families in need. My daughter LOVES her new bicycle, helmet, and new jacket! My son was overjoyed to open his new telescope—an item he has been wishing for forever! We are so incredibly grateful!”

Making the Holiday Season a Little Brighter
Each year through our Embrace-a-Family Program, individuals, families, and groups in the community help ensure families in need have a joyous holiday celebration. Many Embrace-a-Family recipients would not have Hanukkah or Christmas celebrations without this program.

"After I picked up our gifts, I couldn't stop crying. I was speechless. I have never had anyone do anything like this for me or my kids. I can't wait to see my kids’ faces when they open their gifts. Thank you so very much."
– Embrace-a-Family Recipient

How the Program Works
Embracers are matched with a family in need and provide toys, clothes, food, gift certificates, and more. Embracers are provided with a description of the family, including gender and ages of children and their holiday wish lists. This is a great way for you, your family, group, and/or business to make the holiday season a little brighter for a family who is struggling to make ends meet.

Donate Gifts or Gift Certificates
Even if you can’t embrace a family, you can still participate. Donate new, unused toys and/or other gifts, or gift certificates. Cash donations are also greatly appreciated for last minute gift purchases.

For more information or to become an Embracer, contact Andrea Vaz Antunes, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, at (858) 637-3042 or andreava@jfssd.org.

"I think one of the positive aspects of going through rough times financially is having the opportunity to see the good and kindness that people have to offer. I am humbled and inspired to give to others when I get back on my feet. Thank you so very much for making such a difference!"
– Embrace-a-Family Recipient

Confidentiality and Meeting the Families
JFS strives to give our clients the dignity and confidentiality they deserve. In order to best respect this confidentiality, we do not allow Embracers to meet the family(ies) and will not provide Embracers with names of family members.

We recognize the disconnect this can often cause between children and the families they are embracing. In order to keep the Embrace-a-Family Program meaningful for your children, we recommend going through the wish list(s) you receive upon becoming an embracer. Go through the ages and genders of the family members and ask your children to draw a picture of what the family looks like. This is a good opportunity to teach your children about the Jewish values of tikkun olam and tzedakah, while preserving the dignity of families in need.

Thank you for your support and respecting the privacy of our clients.

“The beautiful gifts brought a smile to my face—which is hard to come by. When my kid’s face lit up I realized there is good in the world and things will work out.”
– Embrace-a-Family Recipient