Adopt-A-Family is a holiday giving program in San Diego County that helps Lifeline clients celebrate the holiday season by connecting them with local businesses, organizations, and individuals who “adopt” them. Each year, we are deeply grateful for the incredible outpouring of generosity from our community. Thank you for continuing to make this program possible.
Have questions? Read the FAQ and the gift drop-off instructions below.
Keep in mind the 2026 holiday season timeline:
October 16 - Adopt-A-Family launches and donor sign-up opens!
November 1 - November 13 - Families are matched to donors
November 16 - November 27 - Shop for your family's wish list
Saturday, December 12 - Final day to drop off gifts at our Vista Campus
Sign Up to Adopt-A-Family
or
Can't shop this year? A donation helps us buy gift cards and support families with additional needs.
Gift drop-off & wrapping instructions
Download the printable instructions (PDF)
Where: Lifeline Main Campus, 200 Michigan Avenue, Vista, CA 92084
When: At your assigned drop-off date and time (we'll email you the available dates and times). Saturday, December 12, 2026 is the final day to drop off gifts.
Packing and labeling
- Please deliver your gifts in large bins, boxes or bags to keep each family's gifts together.
- Clearly label every gift with the recipient's name and family code.
- Sponsoring more than one family? Please use separate containers for each family.
- Label each container with the family code and box count. Example: MM-01 Box 1 of 3, MM-01 Box 2 of 3.
Gift cards
- Please make sure all gift cards are activated before drop-off.
- Clearly label each gift card with the recipient's name.
- Place all of a family's gift cards in one large envelope and write the family code on the envelope.
Gift wrapping
Some families enjoy the surprise of receiving fully wrapped gifts, while others prefer to wrap the gifts themselves. Please check the Gift Wrapping Preference at the bottom of your family's wish list. If gift wrap gifts is marked, please wrap the gifts. If provide gift wrapping supplies is marked, please include wrapping supplies so the family can wrap the gifts themselves.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I drop off my gifts?
All Adopt-A-Family gifts must be dropped off at our Main Campus: 200 Michigan Avenue, Vista, CA 92084. Please review your assigned drop-off date and time before arriving.
When is the gift drop-off?
There will be designated drop-off dates with morning and afternoon shifts. Saturday, December 12, 2026 is the final day to drop off gifts. Please keep an eye on your email for the available dates, times and instructions.
What if I need a special drop-off accommodation?
If you can't make any of the scheduled drop-off times, please contact the Impact Team at give@nclifeline.org.
When will I receive my family assignment?
Family matching takes place during the first two weeks of November. Once you're matched, you'll receive an email from give@nclifeline.org with your family's wish list and information.
What if I don't receive my family assignment?
First, check your spam or junk folder and make sure your email settings aren't blocking messages from outside senders. If you haven't heard from us by November 13, 2026, please contact the Impact Team at give@nclifeline.org.
Can I request information about the family I'm sponsoring?
No. To protect the privacy and confidentiality of Lifeline clients, we can't share information about families beyond what is provided on the approved wish list.
Can I contact the family or their case manager?
No. If you'd like to keep supporting Lifeline after Adopt-A-Family, please contact the Impact Team at give@nclifeline.org.
What if I'm not sure about sizing, or someone is between sizes?
Please choose the larger size. We also recommend including the gift receipt so the family can exchange the item if needed.
What if a family doesn't have clothing items on their wish list?
If clothing isn't listed, the family did not request clothing. There's no need to buy additional clothing or to contact Lifeline to double-check.
What if I don't have information about their pets?
The Impact Team does not have direct contact with clients. If specific pet information isn't listed on the wish list, we recommend giving a gift card instead.
Can I donate used clothing?
Adopt-A-Family is for new gifts for your matched family. If you'd like to donate gently used clothing, please give it as a regular donation to Lifeline instead of an Adopt-A-Family gift. Used clothing should be in good condition, with no stains, damage or excessive wear.
Can I donate food?
Food donations are not accepted as part of the Adopt-A-Family program.
Do I need to complete the IRS letter?
Yes. All donors must complete the IRS donation letter provided by Lifeline, either before dropping off gifts or on the day of drop-off.
What if I want to support a family but registration is closed?
You can still support Adopt-A-Family with a monetary donation using the Donate button on this page. Financial donations help us buy additional gift cards and support families with additional needs.
Can I donate items that aren't on the wish list?
We encourage donors to focus on the items the family requested on their wish list. If you'd like to add an extra treat, please consider a gift card to a popular retailer such as Walmart, Target or Costco.
What if an item on the wish list is no longer available?
Please choose a similar or comparable item whenever possible. If you're unsure, a gift card can be a good alternative, especially if the family listed a preferred store.
Can I spend more or less than the suggested amount?
Donors are encouraged to spend about $100 per person, but this is a guideline, not a requirement.
Can I keep supporting Lifeline after Adopt-A-Family?
Yes! We hold events and opportunities throughout the year to support our clients and families. To learn about volunteering or other ways to get involved, please contact our Volunteer Specialist at volunteer@nclifeline.org.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
For questions about accommodations, donations or the donor process, please contact the Impact Team at give@nclifeline.org.
