Helping the needy brings non-profits together

November 4, 2009

For most of us, the holidays are a time of joy and happiness. But for many in our community, it is a time of struggle and sadness and without the local Adopt-A-Family programs, these families would not have a holiday.

Each year the Foothills Food Bank and other non-profits in the area have promoted their own Holiday Adopt-A-Family programs to help families in need. But, the current financial situation has created an enormous increase in the numbers of families needing assistance. To increase efficiency, the Food Bank will act as a “clearing house” for all local non-profit organizations. They will track assistance provided to families by all agencies, so that there will be less chance of duplicating services to any single family. This will make it possible for more families to be served with the same amount of donations.

The non-profit organizations taking part in this year’s Holiday Adopt-A-Family are Carefree Kiwanis, St. Vincent DePaul (chapters from Our Lady of Joy and St. Gabriel), Salvation Army, Foothills Community Foundation, Scottsdale Rotary, Foothills Caring Corps and several local businesses and churches.

You can play an important role by sharing in the true meaning of the holidays by adopting a family this year. Here’s how it works … we will match you up with a family’s wish list and let you do the shopping. You can request a large or small family or choose a family similar to your own as a great way to teach your children about giving back to our communities. Most adopters tell us that it is the best holiday experience they have ever had.

Businesses, schools, organizations and families can adopt a family by calling the Foothills Food Bank at 480-488-1145 or by e-mailing [email protected]. You will receive wish lists from an individual family. You will not know the last name of the family. The client knows that even though they may have put many items on the wish list, they may possibly only receive one gift per family member. All gifts need to wrapped and labeled and dropped off at the Food Bank by Dec. 9. They will be distributed at a holiday party on Sunday, Dec. 13 to be held at the American Legion and is co-sponsored by Carefree Kiwanis and Foothills Food Bank.

Stop by with your donations at the Foothills Food Bank, 6920 Cave Creek Rd., or visit www.foothillsfoodbank.com for more information.