NEWS RELEASE
THE CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION
********************
With the holidays fast approaching, the Children’s Foundation’s Adopt-A-Family program is urgently appealing for community support to give the gift of hope and joy this holiday season and beyond!
“This year, 1,602 families have already been referred to us by local social agencies, and 174 families are still waiting for donors to step forward,” says Megan Harron, Director of Community Programs. “We’ve already had more families referred this year than the total number we served by the end of the program last year, and we’re not even in December yet. With the soaring cost of living, more families than ever are struggling to make ends meet. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a tangible difference for children and families in our community.”
When families are referred, they are matched with local donors who generously provide gifts for children and youth, alongside grocery-needs gift cards for essential items such as nutritious and culturally celebrated foods over the holidays.
“Each family on our waitlist carries a story of challenge, resilience, and hope,” says Karyn Kirkwood, Executive Director of the Children’s Foundation. “We are relying on the strength of our community to ensure no family is left behind this holiday season. With the holidays fast approaching, the urgency of our mission has never been greater. As the window for donors to shop and deliver gifts quickly narrows, we urge everyone who can help to act without delay and bring hope to those in need.”
The Adopt-A-Family program relies on the generosity of our community to ensure every family has the opportunity to make memories and strengthen relationships over the holidays season, without worry. Donors can choose to shop for a family or make a cash donation, which will be used to purchase grocery gift cards and fulfill remaining wish lists.
“The Adopt-A-Family program is about more than just gifts—it’s about creating a sense of belonging and inclusion. With your support, we ensure that children, youth, and families feel loved and supported by their community – perhaps the most magical gift of them all,” adds Harron “We need urgent help from our community to bring hope, joy, and celebration to families during this critical time.”
For more information or to sign up as a donor, please visit www.childrensfoundation.org or call 519-826-9551 x 136 to find out how you can give the gift of hope and joy this holiday season and beyond.
********************