The 2017 ‘Adopt-a-Family’ Program is Underway

GOSHEN – The generosity of donors makes the Christmas season a little brighter each year for the children and families Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange and Sullivan serves through the annual ‘Adopt-a-Family’ gift program. Now in its tenth 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 more than 3,300 children and families throughout Orange and Sullivan Counties.

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.  Adoptees 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.

“Coordinating the adopt-a-family program each Christmas is one of the best parts of my job,” said Ali Curtis, Director of Community and Parish Relations for Catholic Charities of Orange and Sullivan. “We are blessed to have friends and neighbors with warm hearts and giving spirits who are so generous to others during the Christmas season. By creating connections through Catholic Charities’ adopt-a-family program, we’re able to make it a merrier Christmas for all,” continued Ali.

Those looking to adopt a family should contact, Ali Curtis at (845) 294.5124, ext. 333 or by emailingalice.curtis@cccsos.org. Gifts should be delivered to Catholic Charities for distribution to families no later than December 15.

“Every parent’s desire is to create happy Christmas memories for their children.

Unfortunately, that’s not always easy for some families,” said Ali. “The incredible generosity of our donors helps make it possible for families in need to create memories that last a life time.”

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 Ms. Curtis.

Gifts are distributed by Catholic Charities employees to the adopted families between December 16 and December 23.