Bringing the magic of Christmas to families living in DTLA..
For over 33 years, the Adopt-A-Family Program at the Cathedral has made it possible for struggling families with children to have a magical Christmas and experience the Light of Christ. The program has assisted families in one of the poorest areas of our city, the Los Angeles Skid Row and downtown area.
This year, the program will adopt 400 families from the Skid Row, which face unimaginable obstacles and challenges on a daily basis. For this reason, we are personally seeking out these families to assist through the Cathedral's Adopt-A-Family for the Holidays program.
The lives of children living on Skid Row can be most bleak. They live in hotels and apartments, often crowded in one room units with brothers, sisters, parents, grandparents, and other family members. Surrounded by drug dealing, prostitution, violent crime and poverty, there are very few comforts and often little joy. Very few have refrigerators; fewer have stoves; and bathroom and kitchen facilities are often down the hall and shared with neighbors. Despite such dire circumstances, many of these families are outside of the help of government and other charitable programs. It is for these struggling families that the Adopt-A-Family Program was created.
We visit numerous households every year in the hope that somehow we can improve the quality of life for families and children. We find cupboards that are empty, clothing that is worn, rooms that are cold...none of the comforts that so many of us take for granted. But we can make a difference.
The Cathedral's Adopt-A-Family Christmas Program is looking again for a few Angels. We are seeking volunteer angels to help us this year with the 400 families we plan on adopting for our program from the Skid Row area of Los Angeles. Before the magic can happen on delivery day DECEMBER 16, 2023, there are many things that need to be done.
Click below for ways to participate!
Sponsor a Family - Adopt and sponsor one of our 400 families by purchasing Christmas gifts for them.
School Food Drives - Would your school like to contribute to providing a two week supply of food and/or toiletries to one of our 400 families by conducting a food drive or grocery gift card drive?
Volunteer Opportunities - We are seeking Angels to assist with the many volunteer opportunities available. This is a great way for your child or group to complete their Christian Service Hours or to bring the true meaning of Christmas into your own life. Please note all minor must be accompanied by an adult.
Provides financial support to cover rent and/or utility bills Your donation goes directly to pay rent and/or utilities and helps ensure the long-term physical well-being of a needy family. >> donate here
If you prefer, you can also make a donation in the amount of your choice. We also offer commemorative opportunities. >> donate here
Your donation allows families to receive gift cards that will be used directly for buying groceries. Donations vary depending on the size of the family. >> donate here
Your donation allows families to receive gift cards that will be used directly for buying various necessities for the families. Donations vary depending on the size of the family. >> donate here
When you shop at Ralphs or Food4Less, they give back to Adopt-A-Family! All you have to do is register your rewards card online. Ralphs and Food 4 Less grocery stores have a Community Contribution Program through which it gives back to registered organizations a percentage of the total spending of its registered members.
Ralphs: Adopt-A-Family has been given the organization number of PE264. To enroll your Ralphs card click here.
Food 4 Less: Adopt-A-Family has been given the organization number of TQ615. To enroll your Food 4 Less card click here.
The AAF office is located in the southeast corner in the Cathedral parking structure, near the Hill Street exit, level P2.