Hundreds of Families Needing Support This Holiday Season Through the Children’s Foundation’s Adopt-A-Family Program.
The Children’s Foundation’s annual Adopt-A-Family Program is putting a call out for help for close to 400 families who are waiting to be matched with donors for the holiday season.
“With over 1,200 families referred to Adopt-A-Family so far, we know that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are still being felt by families in our community,” says Karyn Kirkwood, Senior Director of Development. “So many are struggling to provide even the basics for their family, let alone what they need to create a special holiday.”
In 2020, the program saw a record number of over 1,400 families referred, which included 3,136 children and youth. The number is expected to increase again this year, with over 150 social and community workers referring families in need to the program.
Referred families are matched to donors who shop to provide wishes for the children and youth, along with gift cards for necessities, including groceries for the holidays.
“With the restrictions last year, we had to move to a gift card only model which was a different experience for everyone, and a lot of donors didn’t have the same magical experience of shopping for their families. But the stories of empowerment we heard from families and social workers was incredible,” says Emma Rogers, CEO of the Children’s Foundation. “We’re really happy this year to be able to find a nice balance, by bringing back tangible gift-giving for the kids’ wishes so donors can enjoy the fun of shopping for those special gifts, while also providing choice for families with gift cards for their needs.”
With families still being referred daily, and emergency referrals being supported until the holidays, the Adopt-A-Family program is in need of donors to help meet the urgent demand. Donors have the option to sign up to support a family or make a cash donation, which will be used to purchase gift cards and other things needed to ensure that all families receive the essentials and gift wishes for a happy holiday season.
For more information or to sign up as a donor, please visit www.childrensfoundation.org or call 519-829-0855 to find out how you can help bring hope and joy home for the holidays.
