This holiday season, United Way will sponsor its fourth-annual, Adopt-A-Family program and plans to assist 75 families needing some extra help this year. Last year’s program benefitted more than 300 adults and children.
United Way is calling on individuals and companies to Adopt-A-Family this holiday season. Sponsors will receive a list of items their adoptive family’s needs including: clothing items with correct sizes, toys, books, gift cards and other holiday items. Donations can be dropped-off at United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, 560 W. Lake St., in Chicago from November 2 through December 11, 2009. Donors also have the option to contribute financially to a pool of funds that will be distributed equally to all families. Families are selected on first-come-first-serve basis and referred by United Way agency partners, the city’s 3-1-1 center and word of mouth.
“We rely on the generosity of our supporters to make this time of year truly special for some of the region’s less-fortunate,” said Gwen Sims, United Way Director of Volunteer Development and Agency Services. “People have been calling us since September anxious to be one of the beneficiaries of the Adopt-A-Family program. The kindness of those who contribute will go a long way toward creating lasting family memories this holiday season.”
Last year, Sandra Bijou was struggling financially and had resigned herself to a pretty dismal holiday season for her and her family. With the help of the United Way Adopt-A-Family program, her family had food, gifts and most importantly, restored hope.
“Things are so much better for me today, but United Way really came through during one of the most difficult times in my life,” said Bijou. “It was exactly what my family and I needed and I am very grateful to United Way and all those who support this program.”
According to Sims, the experience can be just as heartening for those on the giving end. Ann Janacek and her husband go holiday shopping every year, but last year was especially memorable because they participated in Adopt-A-Family.
“Our children are older and for us it recaptured the excitement of giving a child a wonderful Christmas,” said Mrs. Janacek. “It was a great experience knowing what a direct impact we could have on someone in need.”
To find out how to Adopt-A-Family, please contact Gwen Sims at GSims@uw-mc.org or call 312-906-2299. United Way will accept merchandise up until Friday, December 11, after which only gift cards and monetary donations will be accepted.
