A United Community Delivering Holiday Joy Across One of Orange County’s Largest Gift Distributions
Costa Mesa, CA — 12/3/25 — Share Ourselves will host its 56th Annual Adopt A Family gift distribution from Sunday, December 14 to Wednesday, December 17 at the OC Fair & Event Center. Each year, this large-scale community event brings together hundreds of donors and volunteers to fulfill personalized holiday wish lists of local families experiencing economic hardship.
The Adopt A Family program is one of the longest-running holiday support initiatives in Orange County. Working closely with local schools and community partners, Share Ourselves identifies families facing significant challenges and ensures they receive gifts and essential items tailored to their needs. In 2024, close to 1,200 families were supported through the program, and the need remains high this year.
The four-day event transforms the OC Fair & Event Center into a bustling warehouse of wrapped gifts, bicycles, children’s toys, warm clothing, gift cards, and household essentials. Volunteers help sort, prepare, and assemble for distribution to families throughout the region, ensuring no one is left out during the holiday season.
“For 56 years, Adopt A Family has brought our community together through the power of generosity. At a time when so many families are facing hardship, this program brings light, dignity, and joy into homes across Orange County. We’re deeply inspired by every donor and volunteer who helps make the holiday season brighter for our neighbors.” – Christy Ward, CEO
Event Details
WHAT:
56th Annual Share Ourselves Adopt A Family Gift Distribution
Personalized holiday wish lists fulfilled and delivered to families in need
WHEN:
Sunday, December 14 | 9 AM – 3 PM (Donor Drop Off)
Monday, December 15 | 8 AM – 4 PM (Donor Drop Off)
Tuesday, December 16 | 8 AM – 4 PM (Community Org Pick Up)
Wednesday, December 17 | 8 AM – 12 PM (Community Org Pick Up)
WHERE:
OC Fair & Event Center — Gate 8
905 Arlington Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
About the Adopt A Family Legacy
Founded in 1969, Adopt A Family began as a grassroots effort to support local families experiencing hardship during the holidays. Over 56 years, it has grown into one of Orange County’s most enduring traditions of community care. Rooted in the belief that health is shaped by every aspect of life, the program reflects Share Ourselves’ commitment to addressing the social factors that impact well-being — from access to food and financial stability to a sense of belonging and community connection.
Adopt A Family brings together neighbors, volunteers, and community partners to ensure families celebrate the holidays with dignity, warmth, and joy. It also serves as an entry point for individuals who may benefit from Share Ourselves’ broader year-round network of comprehensive health and support services. Today, Adopt A Family continues to embody our values of leading with dignity, serving with heart, and championing justice for all members of our community.
About Share Ourselves
Share Ourselves is a community health center committed to providing comprehensive health and support services to all, regardless of income or insurance status. We believe everyone deserves access to quality healthcare — and our work extends beyond medical care. As the home of community healthcare, we address the full spectrum of needs that influence health, including food insecurity, financial instability, mental health, and social determinants of health, because we recognize that health is far more than a medical condition. We are servants who provide care and assistance to those in need and act as advocates for systemic change.
Rooted in a legacy of volunteerism and compassion, we lead with dignity, champion justice, strive for excellence, and serve with heart. Our work focuses on ensuring that every individual can access health and well-being. Learn more at shareourselves.org.
