Donors Wanted to Create Brighter Christmas for Children in Need

Catholic Charities ‘Adopt-a-Family’ Program Underway for 2019

Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster – Christmas is a little brighter each year for the children and families served by Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster thanks to the generosity of donors who support the annual ‘Adopt-a-Family’ program, now in its 12th year. Each year, the not-for-profit human service agency matches families referred by Catholic Charities’ case managers with donors who “adopt” them for Christmas.  Last year, thousands of dollars in Christmas gifts were distributed to hundreds of children and families throughout the Catholic Charities service area.

Each autumn, Catholic Charities collects the names and details of families with children that need a helping hand for the holidays. 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 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.

“Catholic Charities is blessed to have friends and neighbors with warm hearts and caring spirits who support us throughout the year and are especially generous during the Christmas season. Sharing those blessings through the Adopt-a-Family program helps make it a merrier Christmas for all,” said Hector Morell, Director of Social and Human Services, Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster. “The weeks leading up to Christmas are always special for our staff and volunteers. Witnessing the overwhelming generosity reminds us of all the good in the world,” added Morell.

Those looking to adopt a family should contact, Michael Peters at (845) 562.4733 or by emailing michael.peters@cccsos.org. Gifts should be delivered to Catholic Charities for distribution to families no later than December 13.

“Every parent hopes to create a merry Christmas for their children, but that can be challenging for some families,” said Morell. “The incredible generosity of Catholic Charities Adopt-a-Family donors helps make it possible for families to create warm memories that last a lifetime.”

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.

Anyone looking to have a family added to the “adoption” list should work with their case manager to have their information shared with Catholic Charities.

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

####

Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster, as one of the human service agencies of Catholic Charities of The Archdiocese of New York, is committed to building a compassionate and just society. Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster serves the homeless, the hungry, the emotionally and physically handicapped, as well as immigrants and the marginalized and vulnerable of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties. Catholic Charities collaborates with parishes, Catholic, and non-Catholic partners alike to help people of all religions who are in need. For more information, visit www.cccsos.org.