Adopting a family for Christmas

[happybratpack]

I'm just curious, where do you adopt a family or child from?
I have done the trees at the mall a few times but would like to do more.

 

[icalum]

I have volunteered to chair the adopt a family program for a non-profit organization for several years. The organization is small and the families are ones that the organization works with throughout the year, so the social workers know them well. We always include gas station gift cards as a recommendation for families that drive and have never encountered problems. Suprisingly, often the simple, inexpensive gifts are the most loved ones for kids around the ages you described. One thing that no one has mentioned are books, maybe one for each child. Coloring books with crayons are also good for long winter days inside. It sounds like you have contact with the mom. I would check to see if they (kids or her) need boots. Sometimes they can get them from other sources, but if not that would be top priority if you live where it snows. Also, gloves, hats, scarves, and hopefully at least one "popular" toy for the older two kids. (When I started working with this program, I was a little surprised to see wish lists that included toys that were fairly expensive, but popular. However, one of the social workers explained it to me this way "how do you tell a 1st grader that Santa only brings name brand toys to other kids -- Santa is supposed to reward kids for being good, so are we telling these underprivileged kids that they are not as good as their classmates who got the popular toys?" Plus, wouldn't we all love to have one thing that we really want at Christmas?) Diapers are great for the baby. I don't know the gender of your adopted family, but our African-American families often request hair products, which are expensive, but something you know will be used.

As many others have expressed, thanks OP for doing this. It really does mean a lot to the families.

 

[Crystal0608]

How awesome of you and your sister to do this .

Just going off Walmarts black friday ad which has some really good deals here are a few suggestions:

5 year old boy:
Hwheel 10 pk $5
Transformers Universe Battle Scout 2-pk $9
Jacknife Scooter $15 or Next 20" Bike $20
OP Helmet $5
Wilson Basketball, Football, or Soccer Ball $5
Boys 6/7 (sz?) 2pc character sleepwear $3 (buy 2)
Boys Graphic Hoodie $3
Total $48

3 year old girl:
Cabbage Patch soft-bodied doll $9
Mega Bloks 100pc tub $9
Disney (or Barbie) Dress Up Trunk 29pcs $19
Girls 4T (sz?) 2pc character sleepwear $3 (buy 2)
Girls graphic hoodie $3
Total $46

4mo baby:
Playskool Busy Ball Choo Choo $9 or small toy like a my first doll
Diapers, wipes, & couple winter outfits


mom:
Mainstays Microplush Throw 50x60" $4
add some soft socks and a bottle of B&BW or nice bodywash/lotion

Family:
Candyland or similar board games

 

[icalum]

Another thing that the families request that I never would have thought of on my own is laundry supplies. Many times, food is available from food pantries, but laundry supplies are not. The only concern would be allergies, so you may want to do some investigating if you want to go this route.

 

[Deffenm]

I agree with PP. My families can get certain items on food stamps but there are other items not covered. We do a "household basket". We take a laundry basket and fill it with soap, shampoo, tooth brushes, toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, laundry soap, garbage bags, etc....

It may not be an exciting gift but the families that have received these items have been very thankful. We also do a gift card to Grocery store.

I organize an adopt a family and we go through a local mental health organization. Most of the families receiveing services through this organzation are below poverty level and without the adop a family program the families would have nothing for the holidays.

I also agree with the stocking idea. My kids favorite part of the holiday is the stockings so I always do those as well.

As a mother who adopted 3 children that never had a christmas until they came to live with us I want to say thank you to everyone who help out families in need. Unfotunatley these children did not get to pick the circustamstances in which they are raised and they are the ones that suffer.

 

[mickeygaga]

I always call the local churches. Most have angel trees. In the past, I have called the trustees office days before Christmas to see if there is any last minute families that need help. One year, the parents did not request any gifts so I bought dad a nice hair clipper and mom some lotions and plushy slipper socks. They had 4 children including 2 boys so I figured the clipper would come in handy. I'll tell ya, there isn't a better feeling in the world than knowing you can help others...

 

[My2BabiesLexis&Dill]

I'm just curious, where do you adopt a family or child from?
I have done the trees at the mall a few times but would like to do more.

I actually work with mine! But my brother and his family adopts their family from Salvation Army or some place like that. If you call them they will send you in the right direction.

Thanks for the replies sooo far...Keep 'em coming!!!

 

[MrsPooh]

I work for a non-profit and I want to thank each and every one of you that adopts a family or contributes in any way in making Christmas better for others.

Our organization handles the "adoption" of over 600 families each year. Things are very crazy around here right now as we get moving toward our deadline.

One comment I want to make is to please be non-judgemental when it comes to the family you are adopting. We had adopters get angry one year because the family they adopted requested games for a video system. The people adopting felt that if the family could afford the system they didn't need help and also felt that it should be sold. Both are valid points but what they didn't know was that the family had a fifteen year old son who had been born with multiple problems. He'd spent his entire life in a bed and on a breathing machine. His entire world was the family dining room which had been made into his bedroom. The only entertainment this young man had was watching tv, movies and playing video games. The system had been purchased the year before by a community group who had adopted the family. Was it really fair to judge the family based on the request? The stories are often heartbreaking and while I agree that often gift requests seem outlandish, they are often not.

At our organization we truly believe that what is most important is that these families realize that someone cares and that they are part of a larger community. While we are giving away material items, what we are really giving these families is the gift of HOPE. Many have been so defeated that they no longer have any hope and knowing that someone cares may be all it takes to make a differece.

Again, thanks to all of you for taking the time and money to makes things better for others.

 

[bbeapoz]

Well I am going to get on my soap box here and probably get flamed but here goes. I really have a problem with the "Adopt a Family/Child" programs. It is with the naming of the events, not the events themselves.

As a mother of two adopted children, this time of the year is very confusing to them. Here we are instilling in our children that adoption is our life long commitment to them. Whether you are adopted or born into our family it is permament.

Then you have churches, work locations, etc. having these Adopt a Family/Child events during the holidays. Adopted children can wonder how come those adoptions are not permanent - is theirs really going to last.

I love the idea of helping those who are less fortunate any time of the year. We always want children to have a nice holiday and go out of our way to do what we can to give a little extra. I just wish they would call them something else:

Suggestions: Sponsor a Family/Child Event - Support a Family/Child - Helping those in need -- Anything but Adopt

Sorry didn't mean to hijack the discussion - love the ideas just the name really gets me going.

 

[cydswipe]

Well I am going to get on my soap box here and probably get flamed but here goes. I really have a problem with the "Adopt a Family/Child" programs. It is with the naming of the events, not the events themselves.

As a mother of two adopted children, this time of the year is very confusing to them. Here we are instilling in our children that adoption is our life long commitment to them. Whether you are adopted or born into our family it is permament.

Then you have churches, work locations, etc. having these Adopt a Family/Child events during the holidays. Adopted children can wonder how come those adoptions are not permanent - is theirs really going to last.

I love the idea of helping those who are less fortunate any time of the year. We always want children to have a nice holiday and go out of our way to do what we can to give a little extra. I just wish they would call them something else:

Suggestions: Sponsor a Family/Child Event - Support a Family/Child - Helping those in need -- Anything but Adopt

Sorry didn't mean to hijack the discussion - love the ideas just the name really gets me going.

Thanks for posting that... Never had it crossed my mind!
I agree how that could be confusing.

 

[cinmouse]

I know the boy is into animals, dinosaurs, etc. QUOTE]

My son (6) loves The DIscovery Store Animal Buckets from Toys R Us...there are 3 or 4 kinds and on BF they are only $6.99 (normally $9.99)

 

[quentina]

I agree with PP. My families can get certain items on food stamps but there are other items not covered. We do a "household basket". We take a laundry basket and fill it with soap, shampoo, tooth brushes, toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, laundry soap, garbage bags, etc....

It may not be an exciting gift but the families that have received these items have been very thankful. We also do a gift card to Grocery store.

I organize an adopt a family and we go through a local mental health organization. Most of the families receiveing services through this organzation are below poverty level and without the adop a family program the families would have nothing for the holidays.

I also agree with the stocking idea. My kids favorite part of the holiday is the stockings so I always do those as well.

As a mother who adopted 3 children that never had a christmas until they came to live with us I want to say thank you to everyone who help out families in need. Unfotunatley these children did not get to pick the circustamstances in which they are raised and they are the ones that suffer.

Ditto from us....

 

[quentina]

Well I am going to get on my soap box here and probably get flamed but here goes. I really have a problem with the "Adopt a Family/Child" programs. It is with the naming of the events, not the events themselves.

As a mother of two adopted children, this time of the year is very confusing to them. Here we are instilling in our children that adoption is our life long commitment to them. Whether you are adopted or born into our family it is permament.

Then you have churches, work locations, etc. having these Adopt a Family/Child events during the holidays. Adopted children can wonder how come those adoptions are not permanent - is theirs really going to last.

I love the idea of helping those who are less fortunate any time of the year. We always want children to have a nice holiday and go out of our way to do what we can to give a little extra. I just wish they would call them something else:

Suggestions: Sponsor a Family/Child Event - Support a Family/Child - Helping those in need -- Anything but Adopt

Sorry didn't mean to hijack the discussion - love the ideas just the name really gets me going.

How old were your kids when you got them?? Mine were 4 and 2....we do the adopt a family and they love to shop for them.

 

[pigletof4]

I'm just curious, where do you adopt a family or child from?
I have done the trees at the mall a few times but would like to do more.

Check you local women's shelter. I have adopted women and children from there. They will ask you if you want to donate items for a certain woman or just donate items for any last minute women in need.

 

[mamo-4-wdw]

kHOL'S has the "If you give a mouse a muffin" series of books and stuffed animals for $5 each. My boys loved these books when they were young.
If they have a dvd player the Madagascar christmas DVD is only$5,but i can't remember where.
I always got my boys old fashioned toys like jacks and playdough. Coloring books and new crayons.Pencils and plain paper, Baseball, football,socker ball (something they could play outside).
The little girl would like anything barbie,a baby doll, I saw plastic food at TRU the other day that would be nice with the kitchen.
I also got them toothbrushes,trial size toothpaste,a comb, hairbrush.
Also underware,T-shirts and socks.(that is still their favorite gift today)
I think the mom would love a crockpot and some really good recipes printed from the internet, PJ's and robe and house shoes, calgon, things for a pedicure, manicure,facial.(I don't like the bath baskets from WM because the stuff makes my skin dry out and itch and they are expensive)

The household basket sounds great! You could do one for laundry and one for cleaning supplies or one for paper products(You can't buy TP with foodstamps)

 

[Chicago526]

kHOL'S has the "If you give a mouse a muffin" series of books and stuffed animals for $5 each. My boys loved these books when they were young.
If they have a dvd player the Madagascar christmas DVD is only$5,but i can't remember where.
I always got my boys old fashioned toys like jacks and playdough. Coloring books and new crayons.Pencils and plain paper, Baseball, football,socker ball (something they could play outside).
The little girl would like anything barbie,a baby doll, I saw plastic food at TRU the other day that would be nice with the kitchen.
I also got them toothbrushes,trial size toothpaste,a comb, hairbrush.
Also underware,T-shirts and socks.(that is still their favorite gift today)
I think the mom would love a crockpot and some really good recipes printed from the internet, PJ's and robe and house shoes, calgon, things for a pedicure, manicure,facial.(I don't like the bath baskets from WM because the stuff makes my skin dry out and itch and they are expensive)

The household basket sounds great! You could do one for laundry and one for cleaning supplies or one for paper products(You can't buy TP with foodstamps)

Heck, if they DON'T have a dvd player, that would make a great gift for the whole family. You can get them for as low as $30 at some places. Get that and a few family DVD's! In the future they can rent DVD's for free from the local library (well, the libraries around here at least, YMMV). You could also ask family and friends if they have any old dvd's that are still in good shape (really good shape!) that you could pass along.

I'd love to adopt a family in the future and always wondered how to do it. Thanks to the posters on this thread that have explaned how!

 

[neatokimmo]

I would buy the Leapster learn to write toy. It it small and green and teaches them how to write their letters. I paid $17ish for it at WM.

I'd get this playhouse. I paid $11 for mine at a pharmacy and it looks just like it so look around.

I'd also get a lego type block set that the 5 yr old and 3 yr old could play with together.

 

[My2BabiesLexis&Dill]

I know the boy is into animals, dinosaurs, etc. QUOTE]

My son (6) loves The DIscovery Store Animal Buckets from Toys R Us...there are 3 or 4 kinds and on BF they are only $6.99 (normally $9.99)

That is a GREAT idea. I'll have to check out the sales ad again. I must have missed them.

 

[Travel4Life]

We are going to be adopting a family this year for Christmas as well. Our family has two small children under the age of 3 so we are going to get a few educational toys for them. If your going to be getting Playskool toys make sure to print out the Play Savings coupons - you can save up to $75 on some of their most popular toys. I'm thinking the Busy Ball Popper would be a great choice for the youngest kid because it helps develop motor skills.

 

[tinytreasures]

thank you from our family that was "adopted" 2yrs ago
we received a sibling group of 4 kids right before thanksgiving and had no way of paying for Christmas, for them or our kids because the children came with nothing we had to spend all our Christmas money on coats, boots and cloths for the foster kids
we also would not get a payment for the children until after the new yr so we didn't know what to do
I asked if the kids could be signed up for "toys for tots" normally foster kids can't around here. The worker made a call and we got signed up for that, then they gave me a form and told me to fill it out to be adopted but since it was so late they didn't think we would be
We got a call a few days later we were adopted the family wanted to do something for everyone in the family not just the 4 kids
So 2 weeks before Christmas they came with 2 outfits, 2 pairs of Jammies for all 9 kids, new pack of socks and undies
Foster kids love getting socks of their very own since most don't have socks
plus a whole Christmas meal with turkey and everything we needed
a gift card for more food
it was amazing
they really saved the holidays for us that yr and I will never forget them