Adopt A Kid

There are a handful of ways to adopt a kid without having to assume parental responsibility of a child. The term "adopt" being more of a symbolic title to the kind of supportive gesture that Adopt-A-Kid programs have. Some adopt-a-kid programs are seasonal, during Christmas, for example, malls and hospitals may have trees with a child's Christmas wish. Other programs collect donations all year long.

If you are in a position to provide certain resources to a child in need, there are plenty of "Adopt-A-Kid" organizations ready to match you with a child or need.

Some Adopt-A-Kid organizations focus on providing financial aid to children in need. One Adopt-A-Kid foundation collects monetary donations that purchase school supplies, shoes or hygiene necessities for children. This is an important service, particularly for children in low-income families or those in foster care whose foster parents may not receive sufficient aid for the child from government allowances.

Often, Adopt-A-Kid programs are donation-oriented instead of being mentor-oriented like Big Brother, Big Sister. However, a simple donation and gesture is all it takes for a child to feel the warmth and recognition of a complete stranger's support. Think about what life would have been like had you not been able to afford new, comfortable shoes, a school uniform that fit, a hair cut or pencils and paper.