For 35 years, Adopt A Family of Marin has worked with struggling families to overcome challenges and increase their stability. Whether dealing with an emergency or a lost job, the organization helps lend a hand to families in times of need. As December approaches, Adopt A Family of Marin extends its efforts through its holiday program; they receive wishlists from eligible families and, with the help of donors, ensure every item is gifted.

Executive Director Jacqueline Jaffee discovered Adopt A Family of Marin through her work with a closely aligned non-profit in the Tiburon School District. After joining the organization, she eventually became the organization’s director.
“I started working part-time with Adopt A Family and when you start saying yes to a nonprofit, you will pretty soon end up as their executive director,” Jaffee said.
Over the last three decades, Adopt A Family of Marin has built a large team. Program manager Jasmine Martinez began working with the organization nine years ago. She grew up with six siblings in a low-income household, motivating her to help families like her own.
“I want to help people like myself who grew up with parents who struggled but were also able to make it through. That’s what motivates me: being able to give back to the community and help families succeed,” Martinez said.
The organization works especially hard during the winter through its holiday program, helping transform the season for over 400 struggling families across Marin. Within the program, hundreds of donors help ensure all families are gifted their wishlist, making the season more joyful.
“A couple of years ago, we had a family that had never before received services connected to the holiday program. And I’ll never forget this family walking in to pick up their gifts. He couldn’t fathom that a community member or a team of people had done this for him and his family,” Jaffee said.
These donations aren’t limited to toys; many wishlists include fundamental goods that families otherwise would not be able to provide for their kids.
“The biggest things people put on their list are necessities, shoes, clothes, bedding, pots, and pans. And what I’m told time and time again by families is that [the holiday program] is the only way that they can get new clothes or shoes for their kids,” Martinez said.
Adopt A Family of Marin receives 100 percent of its funding from donors, establishing a strong community between contributors and the families they assist.
“I love and am motivated by the idea of working together to support our community. Whether it’s where you live, where you work, where you go to school or where you do your grocery shopping, you are around the families that support the agency and receive services from the agency. You simply can’t have one without the other,” Jaffee said.

The organization also does plenty of work outside the holiday season. Adopt A Family of Marin donates rent and supplies for families year-round and has many programs throughout the year, including Mother’s and Father’s Day giving.
The support of Adopt A Family of Marin in the community doesn’t fall short of high schoolers. Many students volunteer in the summer backpack program, where the organization collects and donates toiletries and household items that are often expensive.
“One of the great things about Adopt A Family is it’s very tangible for students to get involved,” Jaffee said.
Junior Ashley Ball has volunteered through the National Charity League, contributing to both the holiday and backpack programs. To Ball, Adopt A Family of Marin is very rewarding, allowing her to help those in the community.
“The impact Adopt A Family has had on me is seeing what a community can come together and do for some families and the impact you can have on them,” Ball said. “When you get a family, you get to read the description in their bio, and it feels so personal to buy gifts for someone. It makes you feel good.”
During the season of giving, Adopt A Family of Marin fosters a community in order to make the season more joyful, even for those who are struggling.
“The most important thing is bringing all the different groups and the community as a whole together and for our families, it just shows them that people care,” Jaffee said.