Catholic Charities ‘Adopt-a-Family’ Program Underway for 2018
Donors Wanted to Create a Brighter Christmas for Children in Need
Goshen – The generosity of donors makes the Christmas season a little brighter each year for the children and families Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster assists through the annual ‘Adopt-a-Family’ gift program. Now in its 11th year, the not-for-profit human service agency matches families selected by Catholic Charities’ case managers with donors who “adopt” them for Christmas. Last year, thousands of dollars in Christmas gifts were distributed to hundreds of children and families throughout the Catholic Charities service area.
Each autumn, Catholic Charities collects the names and details of families in need that include children age 12 or under. Information includes such items as age, gender, clothing size, special interests, and possible gift suggestions. For children age 12 and under, it is requested that the gift include an outfit (shirt and pants) and an age-appropriate toy.
The details are then provided to donors who have generously volunteered to “adopt” a family for Christmas. Adopters are frequently businesses, scout troops, school groups, office co-workers, classmates, civic groups, adult siblings, and families – anyone who is looking to create a brighter Christmas for a youngster.
“Catholic Charities is blessed to have friends and neighbors with warm hearts and giving spirits who are so generous during the Christmas season. By creating connections through the adopt-a-family program, we’re able to make it a merrier Christmas for all,” said Kristin Jensen, Chief Advancement Officer, Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster. “Seeing the gifts flow into our offices in the days leading up to Christmas makes the adopt-a-family program a staff favorite and reaffirms our faith in humanity,” added Jensen.
Those looking to adopt a family should contact, Barbara Devine at (845) 294.5124, ext. 325 or by emailing barbara.devine@cccsos.org. Gifts should be delivered to Catholic Charities for distribution to families no later than December 14.
“Every parent’s desire is to create happy Christmas memories for their children. Unfortunately, that can be difficult for some families,” said Jensen. “The incredible generosity of our donors helps make it possible for families in need create memories that last a life time.”
Past donors have included adult siblings who no longer exchange family gifts and colleagues who want an alternative to the office gift exchange. Many donors also supplement their family’s gifts with holiday food baskets and gift cards to make the season even more special.
Anyone looking to have a family added to the “adoption” list should work with their case manager to have their information shared with Catholic Charities.
Gifts are distributed by Catholic Charities employees to the adopted families between December 15 and December 23.
