Adopt-a-Family

Johns Hopkins partners with local nonprofit and service agencies to connect our employees with families and senior citizens in need during the holiday season.

In an effort to make our program as contactless and safe as possible this year, Hopkins employees will purchase gift cards only for their family or senior.

Sign up here to select the family/families or senior(s) you would like to support.

You have 2 options for getting gift cards to us:

Option 1: e-purchase and e-delivery

You can purchase gift cards online and email them to adoptafamily@jhu.edu by December 10.

Option 2: Purchase physical gift cards and drop them off

You can drop off to the lobby of Johns Hopkins at Eastern (1101 E. 33rd St., Baltimore, MD 21218) during during one of these windows:

Tuesday, Dec 8 – 12:00pm – 6:30pm

Wednesday, Dec 9 – 7:30am – 1:00pm

Please direct any questions to adoptafamily@jhu.edu.

Our partners are:

Other Ways to Help

You also can help a family through the Vernon Rice Memorial Holiday Turkey Program or by giving back through JHU’s United Way campaign.

How to Get Help

If you are in need of assistance, please contact your local social services agency or Maryland 2-1-1.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about who the program helps or how it works? We have answers.

Who receives help?

We partner with local agencies that serve families and seniors who are facing a challenging holiday season due to a variety of circumstances. Previously adopted families and individuals have included teen mothers of young children, children of incarcerated parents, women and children displaced due to domestic violence, seniors, and adults with disabilities who are unable to pay bills and afford personal items.

Which Hopkins affiliates participate?

All Hopkins affiliates are invited to adopt a family or senior for the holidays. Many employees participate as a department-wide activity.

How are donors matched with families and seniors?

Donors will select a family or senior to adopt via the online giving platform Roonga. Details and a link to the platform will be posted in October.

Will I meet the family or senior I’m matched with?

Due to the rules of confidentiality, donors will not be able to meet the families/seniors.

Why do Hopkins employees say they participate?

“Most of us have our material needs and wants met easily. We don’t give a second thought about what it would be like to have to struggle to find money to pay rent, buy food and clothing, and care for our families,” says donor Michael Bernard of Mechanical Engineering. “Giving gifts to an adopted family who faces these dire struggles is the very least we can do to offer a helping hand and bring joy to our neighbors who don’t have as easy a life as most of us. It’s a very small way to express our gratitude for what most of us take for granted.”

What can I purchase for my adopted family or senior?

Due to COVID, this year we will be accepting gift cards only.