The Adopt a Family Christmas Program is a heartwarming initiative that bridges the gap between generous individuals, businesses, and groups with deserving families and children facing hardship during the holiday season. It’s a direct way to bring the spirit of Christmas to those who need it most.
How the Adopt a Family Christmas Program Works: A Step-by-Step Guide
This program is designed to support families with incomes below the US Poverty Guidelines, ensuring that assistance reaches those who truly need it. The process is carefully managed to protect the privacy of both the families and the donors, while ensuring a smooth and meaningful exchange of generosity.
Here’s how the Adopt a Family Christmas Program beautifully connects those who can give with those who are in need:
- Family Application: Families seeking assistance begin by completing an application. This application requires income verification and proof of each child within the family to ensure eligibility. A crucial part of the application is the inclusion of Children’s Wish Lists and a Family Letter. This letter allows the family to share their story of need in their own words, adding a personal touch to their request for help.
- Verification and Confidentiality: Each family application and accompanying documents are thoroughly reviewed and verified to confirm the genuine need for support. Once verified, the Family Letter and Children’s Wish Lists are posted on a secure, private platform. To maintain confidentiality, families are identified by a number, and their last names and addresses remain private.
- Donor Registration: Kind-hearted individuals, businesses, or groups who wish to become “Adopters” complete a Donor Info Form. Similar to the families, adopter names and addresses are kept confidential. Upon submission, adopters receive confirmation and are kept updated throughout the process.
- Family Selection: Adopters are given access to the private site where they can read Family Letters and Children’s Wish Lists. They then select a family they wish to adopt and notify the program organizers of their choice.
- Confirmation and Matching: The program organizers confirm the family’s availability and officially notify both the Adopter and the Adopted family of the successful match. This marks the beginning of a special connection for the Christmas season.
- Gift Shopping and Personalization: Adopters take on the joyous task of shopping for their adopted family. They have complete freedom in choosing gifts, with no set limit on the number of gifts or the amount spent. Adopters are kindly asked to fulfill at least one item from each child’s “wants” and “needs” list, allowing for both practical and fun gifts. Families are encouraged to keep wish lists to reasonable and non-expensive items.
- Gift Delivery Arrangements: Once shopping is complete, adopters contact the program organizers to schedule a convenient delivery appointment at the designated Distribution Center. Gifts should be delivered unwrapped and clearly labeled with the family number and child’s name. Adopters have the thoughtful option to include gift wrapping supplies for the parents, adding an extra touch of care.
- Family Gift Pickup: The program team then contacts the adopted families to arrange an appointment for them to pick up their gifts. Families are required to bring their Applicant I.D. for verification and are asked to provide thank-you notes for their Adopters, expressing their gratitude.
- Thank You Notes and Tax Donation Letters: After Christmas, the family thank-you notes are mailed to the Adopters from the program office, allowing for heartfelt appreciation to be conveyed. In January, tax donation letters are sent to Adopters via email, acknowledging their generous contributions for tax purposes.
Become an Adopter and Share the Joy
If you are looking for a meaningful way to give back this Christmas and experience the joy of giving firsthand, adopting a family is an incredibly rewarding opportunity. Click on the button below to learn more about becoming an adopter and making a real difference in a family’s Christmas this year.
