Adopt-a-Family is a holiday program facilitated by The Salvation Army that pairs up a family in need with a sponsor to “adopt” that family. It is a unique program for families who have experienced a devastating tragedy or crisis during the past year. Through the Adopt-A-Family program, you can become a sponsor of a family that is experiencing severe economic, emotional, or physical crisis. Eligible families include low-income working families, grandparents who are primary caregivers of their grandchildren, victims of domestic violence, fire victims, or family members who are suffering a serious illness, such as cancer or AIDS.

The program began more than 20 years ago to support families during this special time of the year. Sponsors can choose to adopt every year, however, most adoptees are accepted to the program only once in their lifetime. Families apply for assistance in the fall and are matched with sponsors in November.

A sponsor can be a family, group of people, or individual who adopts a family for the holidays. Both small businesses and large corporations have also participated as sponsors. In many of the larger corporations, different departments often each adopt a family. Many sponsors find the experience so fulfilling that they participate in the program year after year. When an Adopt-A-Family match is made, the family information and wish lists are sent to the sponsor. Often, sponsors help by purchasing new clothing, toys, household items, and food or grocery store certificates.

Ultimately, both families are blessed by your participation in this program. The adopted family that is in need of assistance, hope, and caring, and the sponsors, who gain the wonderful feeling of knowing that you significantly helped make a family’s holiday better and brighter.