Adopt A Family

Adopt-a-Family is a program facilitated by the Salvation Army that allows sponsors to "adopt" an impoverished family's needs around Christmastime. A sponsor family registered with the Salvation Army will be matched with a family in need. Once the families are matched, the sponsor receives a list of food and gifts the family wants. The sponsor ensures that the items on the list are received the week before Christmas.

Each adopted family are usually referred to the program by a social worker who may ask the family to apply during a home visit. The family's wish list is evaluated and inventoried before it's given to a sponsor. The list may include toys, clothing, household items or information about the family's utilities and heating sources. It's not uncommon for a sponsor to make a utilities payment.

The program also asks that sponsors give a minimum of two or more gifts to each member of the family (including the parents) as well as enough food to last the family four to seven days. Some sponsors may choose to provide more food at their discretion. The Salvation Army website provides a suggested list of food for a family of four as well as hygiene products and festive decorations to help add to the Christmas spirit in the household.

Sponsors can choose to adopt every year, however, most adoptees are accepted to the program only once in their lifetime. Sponsors can be anyone, from an individual a family or a business and corporation. Those interested in applying can do so online at SalvationArmy.org or at a Salvation Army store.