This holiday season, we are counting on generous donors to lend support to families living in St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore shelters, supportive housing programs, and attending Head Start.

We have hundreds of families who need extra support over the holidays. We match donors with families in need, supplying wish lists for each member of the family that specify ages, sizes, and interests. Donors can select how many individuals they would like to adopt and their preferred drop-off location.

Support a Family in need this Holiday Season

You can also donate to our Adopt-a-Family Fund, which directly supports the families that move in during the holiday season, after all the donors have been matched.

Adopt-a-Family Fund

FAQ’s and how to get involved!

What is Adopt a Family?

• St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore matches generous donors with families who live in one of our homeless shelters, supportive housing programs or attend one of our Head Start programs.
• The purpose of Adopt a Family is to brighten the holidays for nearly 500 families who are financially struggling while giving the opportunity for donors to give in a meaningful and impactful way.

When and how will I receive information about the family I adopted?

• Our families completed a wish list for each member of the family, including adults. The wish lists will include ages and sizes of the children as well as interests and ideas of gifts to purchase.
• Wish lists and more information will be emailed to the matched donors by mid-November.

What should I buy?

• The wish lists will help make shopping easy and fun! You will have both general ideas and specific items to purchase. You may include gifts receipts with the donations. The wish lists are meant to be gift suggestions and a guide for shopping. You do not need to buy everything on the list and can purchase things that are not on the list, but you think your family would enjoy.
• The suggested spending range is between $50 – $100 per person and all items should be new. Also, do your best to spend evenly between the family members.
• Please include wrapping paper, gift bags or tags with your gifts but do NOT wrap your gifts.
• You can include a holiday card or greeting, but please do not include any identifying personal information.

Is there anything I should not buy?

• Please refrain from purchasing toys or video games with violent content (including toy guns, swords, etc.).
• Do NOT include cash, gift cards or checks for the family with your donation.

Do I wrap the gifts and how do I label the items?

• Please DO NOT wrap the items. Our parents enjoy wrapping gifts for their children. You may include wrapping paper, gift bags or tags.
• Put all gifts in a large bag or bags with the family ID number clearly marked on each bag. Include a copy of your wish list with the family’s gifts.
• It is helpful (but not required) to sort, bag and label the gifts by individual. For example – one bag labeled 6 y.o. girl, another bag labeled 8 y.o. girl, etc. Each individual bag should have the family ID number on it.

Where and when do I deliver my donation?

• You choose your drop-off location when you register to be a donor. For logistical purposes, gifts must be dropped off at your assigned location only.
• Donation drop off dates are between November 30 and December 8. You will receive more specific information about gift drop off once you receive your wish list(s).

How do I register to Adopt a Family?

Register Here

What if I can’t shop but still want to support the families?

Adopt-a-Family Fund

Questions? Email svdpadoptafamily@vincentbaltimore.org