ECS’ annual gift-giving program, Family-to-Family for the Holidays, brings Christmas cheer to San Diego families in need. In 2025, Family-to-Family provided gifts for 383 neighbors from 86 donating families. Each of the sponsored families includes at least one client who is receiving services from our early childhood education, mental and behavioral health clinic, or substance use disorder treatment programs.
Give back this holiday season by following a few simple steps:
Sign up, and we’ll match you with a family based on your giving preferences. You'll be notified in mid-November of the family you've been matched with.
Purchase gifts for your “matched” family. Each family member should receive a minimum of one gift valued between $30-$50. Only new gifts are accepted. Your gifts may be our families' only gifts for the holidays, so please be as generous as possible.
Deliver your gifts to the ECS Family Engagement Center or directly to the family’s home!
Make a difference in a family’s holiday season by SIGNING UP TODAY!
Giving Tips
Registration is open for sponsor participation until November 13.
Gifts must be delivered on or before December 9.
Enlist family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors to pitch in!
Remember to include batteries for battery-operated items.
Consider donating gift bags, wrapping paper, and tape to the ECS Family Engagement Center.
Click here for more FAQs.
“To the beautiful soul who gifted…
Thank you so much. We were able to get some gifts for my daughter and me and my mom. You have a kind heart, and I wish you the best... Thank you so much.”
— Michelle, 2025 Family-to-Family Recipient
“This program is so important to our family.
My husband and I are both in school and my husband is veteran. Money is tight and it's been so hard with the economy, too. This provided necessities for my children that we wouldn't have been able to provide. We're really thankful.”
— Rebeca, 2025 Family-to-Family Recipient