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 to the FEC from December 1 through December 9.
Enlist family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors to pitch in!
Remember to include batteries for battery-operated items.
Consider donating extra 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, Family-to-Family Recipient
“The Family-to-Family program is a perfect way to show empathy and bridge the sad divide between families that have so much and families that have so little. It is a small thing that can have a huge effect.”