SAN JOSE — What started out as a modest idea by one San Jose family to give back during the holiday season ballooned into a major fundraiser for a local nonprofit.

Over the weekend, the Fein Osborne family announced that the churros and chocolate stand they set up outside their Willow Glen home raised nearly $33,000 for CityTeam San Jose, which fights poverty, homelessness and addiction.

“On behalf of our 42 volunteers, hundreds of donations from far and near, and from the thousands of people who came to lift up our kids’ dream at our roadside churro stand,” the “Fosbornes,” as they are known, wrote, “we are humbled and honored to donate $32,875.52 to CityTeam San Jose, benefitting the programs of Melody and James Alvarado who meet the addicted and homeless in our community at the intersection between hopelessness and hope.”

“We never expected anything like this,” Samantha Fein said Sunday during a phone interview.

Fein and her husband Jeremy Osborne have four teenagers — Carter and Ava Fein, both 16, George Osborne, 15, and Charlie Osborne, 13. Despite final exams and hectic work schedules, Fein said, the family decided to dedicate long weekends in December to the effort.

The kids, she said, wanted to “be the givers instead of the receivers.”

Addiction, Fein added, has touched the family and is “super close to our hearts,” so they chose CityTeam in part for its efforts to address the issue.

Planning for the fundraiser began a few months ago after a conversation about churros, which the children have enjoyed during visits to Spain, while out for a drive. The initial goal? Raise $4,000 in 12 days by selling treats to people looking at holiday lights in the neighborhood.

“Your donations will provide: Pajamas, socks, sweatshirts, jeans, deodorant, razors, soap and personal care,” they wrote.

The idea took off, with long lines forming each night and dozens of volunteers pitching in to help. The family invested in a commercial freezer. Santa came by to talk to kids and carolers entertained visitors with holiday songs.

“When you turn on the lights, light comes in,” Fein said, “and it has been the most amazing experience to see.”

The undertaking got so big, Fein said, there were spreadsheets to manage a bevy of volunteers — mostly the kids’ friends — and lessons about forecasting and budgeting. People showed up with dinner for the family.

“We are so inspired by this incredible family who has dedicated their Christmas season to raising money for the homeless,” CityTeam wrote in a Facebook post. “The success of this little business has been incredible to see!”

Fein said the family doesn’t know what the future will hold, but she’s skeptical the experience could be replicated.

“I’m not sure lightning could strike twice in that way,” she said. But, she added, the family would be happy to offer what it has — from the commercial freezer to signage — to another family looking to carry the torch forward.

For Fein, the holiday pop-up brought the joy of watching young people lead.

“Watching children be the change is a remarkable experience,” Fein said. “It’s an honor to watch.”