SHARING THE JOY
The holidays can be overwhelming for families already facing financial challenges. With the rising cost of living, many families feel even more pressure this time of year.
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That’s why STEP is here to help. We match military and veteran families with generous donors to ensure their children wake up to the excitement of a gift-filled holiday morning.
Families fill out a wishlist, and we share it with donors so that, together, we can bring the joy of the season without the added financial strain.
Nearly 3 in 10 active-duty military families report experiencing financial stress, making the holidays especially challenging.
Donor
October 14th - November 22nd
Help our young military and Veteran families feel the joy of the season by fulfilling their wish list. You bring smiles to so many faces when you adopt one or more families for the holidays.
Go a STEP further and share with your family, friends, and social media about this program to so they can
get involved!
Client
Are the holidays bringing added stress instead of joy?
Click below to so we can change that!
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(Prior recipients – please consider applying for our EFA program by clicking the blue “Apply for Assistance” box at the top of this page.)
E1-E6 enlisted or recently transitioned Veteran families
(within 18 months of separation)
*Priority will be given to E4 and below and to first time applicants.
"Thank you for blessing our family with this opportunity. For giving us the meaning of merry and Joy."
Toy Drive Donations
STEP will be accepting Toy Drive donations for families who are not adopted.
Hover for Suggested Items
Donations Accepted October 14th - December 6th
Monday -Thursday
9am-3:30pm
9915 Businesspark Ave., Suite A, San Diego, CA 92131
Suggested
Items
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Gift cards
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Lego sets
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L.O.L. Surprise!
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Coloring Books
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Dolls/Barbies
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Hot wheels
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Musical toys
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Scooters
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Nerf toys
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Board games
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Building toys
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Star Wars toys
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Sports Items
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Arts & Crafts
FAQ's
How do the donors know what to buy?
The families will complete a wish list and STEP will provide the donors with their adopted families' list. The donor will also be provided with an Amazon list that is curated with options from the wish list items. We recommend spending an average of $75 per child (the goal is to have more than one present for each child), and purchasing one gift for the whole family. The goal is for each member of the family to receive more than one gift.
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How will the items be delivered?
Donors using the Amazon list will be able to send the items directly to STEP for both Southern California and Washington State. The account is set up so the items will only be delivered during our business hours.
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*For Washington donors that would like to drop off, please contact ron.desmarais@teamstepusa.org
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What if I want to participate but can't adopt a whole family?
STEP is accepting toy donations for our annual Toy Drive. You can drop off items at 9915 Businesspark Ave, Suite A, San Diego, CA 92131 between 9AM - 3:30PM Monday - Thursday, or drop off at any of our collaborating partners. If you would like to become a collection partner, click here. Share with your company, family, or friends.
How do you decide who gets adopted?
This program is limited to E1-E6, or transitioning Veterans up to 18 months of departure. Priority is placed on E5 and below, and on families that have never been adopted before.
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Can I see where our donations go?
STEP will be hosting a Sharing the Joy Parade for our clients to pick up their holiday gifts. We will posting videos and photos across all social media platforms @teamstepusa in December. Stay tuned for updates.
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How else can I help?
Help us spread the word about Sharing the Joy by sharing information with your family, friends, and coworkers.