Staff and community members invited to “adopt” families by donating gift cards this season
Fairfield, CA (November 7, 2025) - Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District (FSUSD) is once again supporting its most needy families while celebrating the season of giving through its beloved Adopt-A-Family program. In place for more than 20 years and organized by the Student & Family Services (SFS) Department in FSUSD, the annual effort invites staff and community members to help brighten the holiday season for families in need — one gift card at a time.
Each year, FSUSD schools nominate families who could use a little extra holiday support. The SFS Department then matches those families with generous donors who help fulfill their “wish lists.” Donors are asked to provide gift cards to make it easier for families to choose what they need most, whether that’s warm winter clothing, household essentials, or a few special gifts for their children.
“This program truly captures the heart of our FSUSD community,” said Marbeya Ellis, Family Resource Center Manager. “Every gift card represents much needed care and kindness.”
Assistant Director for Student and Family Services, Jessica Reed, added: “When you see the smiles and gratitude from families, you realize how powerful even a small act of giving can be.”
Those who wish to participate can sign up to donate a gift card by visiting fsusdlinks.org/Adopt-A-Family or by scanning the QR code on the Adopt-A-Family program flyer. The online “Wish Tags” list shows the types of gift cards each family has requested. Gift card amounts are flexible and serve only as a guide to their wish list.
Electronic gift card donations are preferred, but physical gift cards are also accepted. They should be placed in a secure envelope labeled with the family’s adoption number to ensure proper distribution. Please return all physical gift cards to the receptionist on the first floor of FSUSD’s Central Office, located at 2490 Hilborn Road, Fairfield; or email e-gift cards to TrishE@fsusd.org by Thursday, December 4th.
Superintendent Jennifer Sachs shared, “Adopt-A-Family is one of those special FSUSD traditions that reminds us how much we can accomplish when we come together. Our staff and community always step up with incredible generosity.”
For many, the impact of the program lasts far beyond the holidays. One parent who participated in a past Adopt-A-Family program reflected, “It came at a time when we were really struggling, and it meant so much to know our community cared. The gift cards helped us make the holidays a bit more special for our kids.”
FSUSD encourages everyone to get involved and help ensure every FSUSD family experiences a season filled with warmth, hope, and joy!