“Holiday Adopt-A-Family is something I look forward to every year. Shopping for a family that would otherwise go without, seeing the expressions on the faces of the families when they come to pick up their gifts – both make the season a special one each year.” – Joan, Holiday Adopt-A-Family Sponsor
The Strain of the Holidays
Over 3,600 Bellevue children and their families are living in poverty. For these families, the holiday season is a strain on their already tight budgets. Holiday closures mean reduced hours at work, no school = additional childcare expenses and there’s pressure to provide gifts and meals they can’t afford. Bellevue LifeSpring’s Holiday Adopt-A-Family program works to match these families with community sponsors who ease the burden of holiday expenses by providing food and gifts for Christmas.
Lydia’s family became homeless a few years ago after she lost her job. She has since been able to find new employment and a place to live, but during the transition, she lost everything – pictures, birth certificates, furniture and toys – a lifetime of memories.
“It’s been a struggle to restart our lives,” Lydia shared, “but I want both of my boys to know that even though life takes us over mountains, we can always recover and be successful.”
Easing the Burden
Many of the items on her holiday wish list were things that were lost during the transition between being housed and homeless – household items, toys and clothing.
“I know it would mean the world to my son to ride a blue bike again and for my youngest to hold a special stuffed animal when he falls asleep.”
You Can Help
Thanks to your support, nearly 300 families like Lydia’s will be matched with community sponsors to provide food, clothing and gifts for the holiday season. What may seem like simple gifts under the tree could be the items that make Lydia’s new housing feel like home. It’s an opportunity for the community to have a hands-on impact and make a real difference through sponsoring, volunteering or donating to a family in need. Learn more about volunteering at Holiday Adopt-A-Family distribution or sign up to adopt a family.
