(openPR) - (PASADENA, CA)— During the holidays, the financial challenge of meeting a family’s needs are greater. With support from the community, Hillsides Family Center is able to provide relief to families struggling during the holidays. At seven years old, Sarah was falling behind in school. She needed support and found it at Hillsides Family Center.
While Sarah, her siblings and parents access many resources that the Hillsides Family Center offers, from family therapy to academic support for Sarah, they are also able to receive in-kind goods donated through the adopt-a-family program.
“One of the most cherished resources is our holiday giving program where each family member requests holiday gifts such as board games, books, art supplies, educational toys, and sports equipment,” said Laura Kelso, Hillsides director of community resources.
A Hillsides donor adopts a family and provides them with gifts that nurture their minds and spirits. With help from donors, Hillsides Family Center can give temporary financial relief to a hundred families by providing grocery gift cards to cover meals during the children’s winter break from school, fulfilling holiday wishes, and lighting a way to a brighter future.
“Sarah, her siblings and parents can use toys they receive to practice what they are learning in therapy, allowing conversation, play, and family bonding to take the place of the television,” said Janis Reid, Hillsides school-based coordinator. “The shift in attention towards family helps children like Sarah focus in school and enrich the lives of the entire family.”
Hillsides is able to lift the spirits of vulnerable children and their families for the holidays with the help of donors who adopt these families one time a year.
“Donors that adopt families should know that they bring hope and holiday spirit, making the season even brighter,” said Joe Costa, Hillsides chief executive officer.
To learn more about how you can help families experiencing crisis this holiday season, contact Kelso at 323-254-2274 and visit www.Hillsides.org.

*Names of clients have been changed to protect their identities.

About Hillsides: As a Pasadena foster care charity founded in 1913, Hillsides creates safe places for children at risk and their families by providing residential care, mental health services to break the cycle of domestic violence, special education, and advocacy. To learn more about Hillsides, visit www.Hillsides.org.

Hillsides
940 Avenue 64
Pasadena, CA 91105
(323) 254-2274
info@hillsides.org
www.Hillsides.org
Contact: Marisol Barrios
(323) 254-2274 ext. 274
mbarrios@hillsides.org