Deadline: Catholic Charities adopt-a-family

Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster is ready to make Christmas merrier this year for the children and families it serves.  The not-for-profit human service agency announced the launch of its annual Christmas Adopt-a-Family program.  Now in its 13th year, the Christmas giving program matches families reviewed by Catholic Charities’ case managers with donors who “adopt” them at Christmas.  Last year, the generosity of donors brightened Christmas for more than 100 local families. Each autumn, Catholic Charities staff gather the details of families with children that can benefit from a helping hand for Christmas.  Information includes such items as children’s 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 provided to donors who have generously volunteered to “adopt” a family for Christmas.  Adopters are frequently businesses, scout groups, school groups, office co-workers, classmates, civic groups, and families – anyone who is looking to create a brighter Christmas for a youngster.  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.

Those looking to adopt a family for Christmas should contact Michael Peters at 845-562-4733 or email michael.peters@cccsos.org. Gifts should be delivered to Catholic Charities for distribution to families by December 11.  Families in need of support this Christmas should contact Catholic Charities Case Management Department at 845-561-1665 to discuss assistance options. 

For more information, visit cccsos.org.