Adopt a Family

The Adopt a Family program connects a generous individual, business or group with deserving children and families in need.

MAKE AN IMPACT TODAY

Give once, change a life

Your one-time gift provides immediate support for programs, resources, and opportunities that help kids learn, grow, and thrive.

Adopt a family in need
Donate for the Holidays

Event is sponsored by

GIVE A GIFT

The Youth Center Toy Drive

Each year, The Youth Center teams up with local businesses and community members for our holiday toy drive. Boxes are placed in convenient locations for donations of new, unwrapped toys, gift cards, clothing, blankets, hygiene items, and more.

To contribute, find a toy drive box at one of the listed locations.

The Youth Center, 10761 Los Alamitos Blvd
Ganahl Lumber, 10742 Los Alamitos Blvd
Bogarts Coffee House, 905 Ocean Ave, Seal Beach
Garage Pilates, 10900 Los Alamitos Blvd Unit 116
Griffins Grill, 11272 Los Alamitos Blvd
The Meat Company, 1139 Los Alamitos Blvd
RCSD Rush Park, 3001 Blume Dr

We are grateful to all community members and businesses for helping create a meaningful difference for families this holiday season.

Chad Kidder’s Story

“I grew up very poor and often did not know when or how my next meal would come. I was 11 on a Thanksgiving day that my mom, my brother, and I had no plans, no foot to eat, and was planning on just putzing around the house for the day. I decided to go outside (and where I grew up, temperatures were often below zero around Thanksgiving). I just had to get out and away from the thought of my disposition. When I opened the door, I saw that someone left a Thanksgiving feast on the front porch. To this day, I do not know who left that meal but it changed my life forever.”

from Chad Kidder’s email dated Nov 18, 2020

Holiday Gift Program

Chad Kidder
adopt a family program

To support our community directly, this holiday gift program is by invitation only for families already involved with The Youth Center, there is no online application. Eligible families are screened and invited by our staff.

Each family’s story and wish list will be matched with a supporter who will shop for gifts. There is no spending limit, and all gifts or gift cards should be labeled (not wrapped) and dropped off at The Youth Center between December 10–15 by 11:00 AM.

Families can pick up their gifts on December 15 after 1:00 PM. In January, supporters will receive thank-you cards and tax-deductible donation letters.

Financial Assistance

Scholarships & program assistance

The Youth Center has served local children and families since 1952 — and we never want cost to keep a child from joining a program. Our scholarship program helps families in our community afford the experiences that help kids grow.

Who can apply

Open to families within our service area — the Los Alamitos Unified School District, covering Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, and Seal Beach. Families outside the area whose children attend an LAUSD school (including private schools) may also apply.

– Up to 3 years per family

When to apply

Applications are open year-round and take about two weeks to review. List every program you’re interested in on a single application, and re-apply each year you need support.

– Apply before registering

How it’s decided

Awards are based on your family’s gross income, any special circumstances such as high medical bills or support payments, and the funds available in each program. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

– Reviewed individually

Ready to apply?

The online application takes just a few minutes. Families who receive assistance are warmly encouraged to give back by lending a hand at Youth Center fundraisers throughout the year.

Start Your Application

Thank you to RHA & Port of Long Beach for your partnership

Enroll
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