The Salvation Army is seeking anyone with a giving heart -- individuals, families, businesses, or organizations -- to adopt a family in need this holiday season.
Christmas Coordinator Michelle Bird said the volunteers are paired with a family that best meets their budget.
"Here at the Salvation Army we take applications for Christmas [food] hampers," Bird said. "We're preparing for 500 of those this year. We had 450 last year, so we're preparing for a little bit more this year. So, you sign up for a hamper here and then we choose randomly, families that we think could maybe use a little bit extra this year and we adopt them out."
The number of families adopted out depends on how many volunteers sign up.
"Last year we had between 40 or 50 adopted out. So, we're hoping to get more this year," Bird said.
She said once you've signed up, you'll be given an information package detailing what is needed for each child.
"We give you their clothing size, their shoe size, their interests and hobbies, so you have an idea of what you can go shop for," said Bird. "We leave all gifts unwrapped, of course, so that parents can see what they're giving the children for Christmas morning."
Volunteers, who also have the option of buying food hamper items and gifts for the parent(s), grandparent(s) or guardian(s) raising the children, are asked to register by December 7.
"Our hampers start going out on December 16, so to give time for us to get them all organized, we ask that all adopts (gifts etc.) be in for December 14," Bird said.
Those interested in adopting a family are asked to contact Bird at 519-330-0594 or by email at [email protected].
All of the food/gift hampers are distributed in the same packaging so other recipients don't know if you've been selected.
Bird said registration for the hamper program starts next week, in the lobby at the Salvation Army Church on Confederation Street.
"We start taking hamper registrations Monday, November 16 and we're going to be taking them from Monday to Thursday for two weeks," Bird said. "So [November] 16 to 19 and the 23 to 26. We're in the office from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m."
Bird said their program is not partnered with programs run by other organizations, including the Inn of the Good Shepherd, so families are asked to only apply at one organization so there's more to go around to those in need.
