Adopt a family for holidays
Community Housing Services has 400 families in need of packages
December 2006
By Jaimee Kraus
From The Reporter
This time of year is known as the season of giving, and there are plenty of opportunities to help out those in need this holiday season. As part of this effort, The Reporter wants to help the community show how much it cares, while helping area organizations that are trying to aid so many in our neighborhoods.
This is the first story in our Holiday Wishes series, in which we'll highlight area agencies, churches and other organizations that are actively working to make the holiday bright for those who may be in need.
One such agency is Community Housing Services, at 311 N. Broad St., Lansdale, which is looking for a variety of help, ranging from material donations to manpower.
One of the ways to help out this season is to adopt a family through the center's Holiday Sharing Program.
From Dec. 4 through 20, anyone wishing to adopt a family can come to the main office and receive a packet that includes the family's situation, a brief story of how they came to Community Housing and their wish list.
"We have about 400 families that are up for adoption," said Healther Lewis, youth advocate for Community Housing Services.
The sizes of the families range from small to large, and have wish lists that include such items as toys for the children, clothing and household items.
"We always check the wish lists before we hand them out. We take out such things as Xbox 360s and round it out by adding items that some families may forget about, such as sheets or socks, mostly little things, said Lewis.
Items for the families can either be dropped off at Community Housing Services or at Lansdale United Methodist Church, located right across the street.
Community Housing Services is also looking for healthful food donations for holiday food baskets, instead of traditional cookies and breads.
"We get a lot of breads and cakes from supermarkets and individuals, but we don't get as many fruits and vegetables. Sometimes when I see all of it I think, 'Man, I would love an apple,'" said Lewis.
She is also requesting gift cards, which will be given to families after the holidays.
"Giant and Wal-Mart seem to be the most popular, but we also get a lot for Redner's and Acme," said Lewis.
For the more crafty individuals, Lewis and the other advocates are looking for "home kits."
A home kit is a basket that the donor puts together his or herself. The two most popular types are a kitchen basket and a laundry basket.
They can be dropped off at Community Housing Services' office and are distributed to those in need.
Lewis stressed that volunteers are needed year-round, not just to distribute and organize the donations this holiday, but to help out with all types of programs.
"Volunteering is the gift that keeps on giving," said Lewis.
To adopt a family, donate a home kit, or for more information, call (215) 362-5250.