SBCS campaign fills in gaps during uncertain holiday season

As the holidays approach, local families are facing financial pressures that some say are unlike any in recent memory. Rising costs, increasing unemployment, and federal funding cuts have left many households unsure of how they will provide basic needs, let alone celebrate the season. SBCS (formerly South Bay Community Services) is stepping in to make sure children and parents throughout San Diego County can experience the comfort, joy, and connection the holidays are meant to bring.

“There is a lot of uncertainty for low-income families right now,” said Annie Sawyer, SBCS director of Philanthropic Giving. “SBCS services and programs are continuing without interruption, and we remain focused on meeting families’ most urgent needs. As costs rise and more families turn to us for support, we’re working hard to ensure stability across our programs and to continue providing the same level of care, resources, and connection our community relies on.”

This holiday season, the need is clear. Sawyer said that more families than ever are seeking help with basics such as food, housing, clothing, and baby supplies. Mental health services are also seeing higher demand as parents look for support for themselves and their children.

SBCS’s Thanksgiving Food Drive is underway, with more than 250 families expected to receive assistance this year. Community members can donate one or more grocery bags filled with instant mashed potatoes, canned green beans, stuffing mix, gravy mix, and egg noodles — one of each per bag. For families with access to a kitchen, case managers deliver grocery bags with non-perishable sides plus a gift card to purchase a turkey or main dish. For residents of the nonprofit’s domestic violence shelter, staff and the catering team prepare a traditional

Thanksgiving meal in a communal dining space. Supportive housing programs for youth and the formerly homeless offer cooking opportunities, allowing donors, staff, and youth to prepare and share family-style holiday meals.

The Hope for the Holidays gift drive allows children to receive presents matched to their wish lists. Sawyer said that in previous years, donors have made a meaningful difference. One story that stands out is of an 8-year-old boy whose top request was a pillow because he didn’t have one. A donor provided pillows for all the children in his family, along with toys and books. Another mother experiencing homelessness wrote to her case manager, thanking the donors who helped her children experience the holidays, saying that seeing their excitement and hearing their laughter was a gift she would cherish forever.

This year, SBCS expects to fulfill wish lists for between 750 and 800 children. Donors are matched with families and can choose how many children they would like to support. Typical wish lists include practical items such as clothing, shoes, backpacks, and baby essentials, as well as toys, books, games, and art supplies. Those interested in helping can email impact@csbcs.org to be matched with a family beginning Nov. 24.

The recent opening of SBCS’s $34 million Center for Impact in Chula Vista has expanded the organization’s ability to serve families. The 61,000-square-foot facility houses critical services under one roof, including mental health therapy, community engagement spaces, a teen center, childcare rooms, and a community kitchen. Upper floors consolidate program operations, providing emergency assistance, housing support, youth development, education, and parenting resources — all designed to meet families where they are.

“Two things really set SBCS apart,” Sawyer said. “First is the compassion and dedication of our direct service staff. Many have been with the agency for more than a decade — some for 20 or 30 years — and they truly want to make things better for the families who come to us in need of support. The second is the breadth of our services. When a family comes in needing food, they’re connected with a dedicated case manager who looks at the full picture and develops a comprehensive plan to help them regain long-term stability.”

SBCS encourages businesses, community groups, schools, and individuals to get involved through meal drives, gift adoption, financial contributions, or volunteering. Even those without extra funds can participate by donating their time and skills, helping at food distributions, or organizing group volunteer days.

Unrestricted year-end donations have an immediate impact, funding safe shelter, warm meals, clean clothes, mentorship for first-generation college students, and fresh produce for families. Every contribution ensures SBCS can respond quickly to emerging needs and continue providing vital services to more than 60,000 children, youth, and families each year.

For more information or to support SBCS holiday giving initiatives, visit sbcssandiego.org/holidaygiving or email impact@csbcs.org.