Families 4 Families was founded by Willow Glen resident Elaine Walter, a lifelong donor to charitable causes. Walter created the organization because she believed many adopt-a-family programs lacked the connection to the families.

"I felt like I was giving into a black hole," she said. "I didn't know where my money was going."

Walter dreamed of providing an opportunity for donors to both give and connect with their recipients. She also knew she could lead a grassroots fundraiser if she could only find the families.

In 2002, that opportunity arose when Walter met Seanna Sifflet on the sidewalk in front of her home. Sifflet—the girlfriend of neighbor Michele Mork-Ovon's son—was at the time a social worker at Health Connections. After the two talked Sifflet told Walter she would be happy to connect Walter with families in need.

What began on that sidewalk blossomed into a nonprofit with a steering committee, board of directors and many volunteers. Each year, Families 4 Families has raised more money and "adopted" more families for the holidays.

Walter began in 2002 by inviting 25 girlfriends over for a gourmet dinner and night of giving. After a presentation on each of the five families located by Sifflet, she had hoped each would donate $100.

But her girlfriends donated $6,000 and spread the word. In 2002, Walter and Sifflet raised $15,000 and adopted 13 families.

Although Sifflet has since moved to New York, the momentum started by her and Walter remains intact. Walter continues to locate people in the community who are willing to donate their money, time or goods. Even the legal work to make Families 4 Families a tax-exempt nonprofit was donated.

Walter's initial intimate dinner with friends turned into a charity dinner with more than 50 guests. Guckenheimer Catering offered the meals, tables and chairs pro bono. In 2003, Families 4 Families raised $38,000 and adopted 30 families. In 2004, they raised $50,000, including in-kind donations, for 35 families. This year's families are struggling with issues ranging from sexual abuse and domestic violence recovery to living with AIDS and other terminal illnesses.

As the checks rolled in, so did the kindness of the community. The Target on Hillsdale Avenue gave Families 4 Families a 10 percent discount and arranged a check out lane. All gifts were stored in Safe Place Storage in Willow Glen, space donated by Sobrato Development. Sienna Bistro in Willow Glen also packed lunches for the volunteers. And several teams drove away in moving trucks provided by Aedis Architecture & Planning.

Entering people's homes and delivering their gifts is when the real holiday magic happens for Walter and her volunteers. "You'd be amazed at what people are enduring and surviving," she said. "I was just in tears."

Families 4 Families provides each family with a hygiene bag full of tooth brushes, shampoos and other sundries; a toy for each child; winter clothes; a Christmas tree; and bill assistance. In some cases, Families 4 Families has paid a month's rent or assisted with medical bills.

Families have responded by giving back in whatever way they can. Sometimes those thanks come in the purest of form—singing songs in their native tongue or preparing traditional meals.

"My big hope is that these people can get back on their feet," Walter said, "and can go from surviving to thriving. Hopefully they will be able to do it for somebody else in the future."

For more information on Families 4 Families, contact Elaine Walter at 408.369.1422 or via email at ehallwalter@sbcglobal.net.