By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
The St. Joseph AFL-CIO's Adopt-A-Family Christmas Program saw all 748 families adopted in 2020.
Penny Adams, the executive director of AFL-CIO in St. Joe, says reaching that goal in a challenging year was gratifying.
"It's a great relief to our staff and our board," Adams said. "But, an even bigger relief to the families. They never know when they sign up what the results are going to be. So, for them to know they've been adopted, that makes their Christmas even more special."
The goal of the Adopt-A-Family Christmas Program is to help those who need assistance during the holiday season. The program matches needy families and individuals in the St. Joseph area with families, groups and organizations who are willing to help.
"The adopters have a choice on how much they want to provide and exactly what they want to do," Adams explained. "The adopters go out and shop and will wrap the gifts and deliver them to their adopted family or to the agency."
Adams says in a year where everyone has struggled to some degree, the response to the program in 2020 was better than anyone expected.
"Everybody is struggling this year in various ways," Adams said. "We didn't know what to expect and how people would respond. We've had more adopters choose a family and adopt this year than we have previously. Even though we're in a pandemic, people are still caring about others and wanting to help."
AFL-CIO is still accepting monetary donations to help offset the cost of the program. Donations can be made at helpmenow.org, by phone at 816-364-1131, via mail, or in-person at the AFL-CIO office in St. Joseph.
Adams expressed many thanks to those who adopted a family in need this holiday season.
"Thank you for your willingness to share with others your blessings," Adams said. "We hope that your Christmas is as merry as you've made others."
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