DHSS Press Release

ADOPT-A-FAMILY SPONSORS NEEDED TO HELP DELAWARE FAMILIES

More Than 750 Families Still Waiting to Be Adopted

Despite a generous outpouring of support, more than 750 families statewide still await sponsors through the Adopt-a-Family program to help make their holiday season bright.

Approximately 840 families have been adopted to date, leaving more than 750 families or individuals in need of sponsorship for this holiday season. The Adopt-a-Family program aids families in crisis -- those struggling with illness, homelessness, domestic violence, poverty or unemployment.

Through Adopt-a-Family, sponsors volunteer to "adopt" an individual or family for the holiday season. This year, almost 1,100 families have been referred to the New Castle County program and 500 families have been referred in Kent and Sussex counties. The holiday program anonymously matches sponsors with these needy families. The sponsor purchases gift certificates for the sponsored family. The family uses these certificates to purchase items that best meet their family's needs. The sponsor is asked to purchase the gift certificates and drop them off at the local Adopt-a-Family site by Dec. 15. There are a wide variety of people available for adoption ranging from a single nursing home resident, or a child in foster care, to a large family.

After receiving donated gift certificates last year, one mother exclaimed, "It was so generous and thoughtful, and it empowered me to find joy in Christmas once again. I could choose the right size, color, and style of clothes and toys for my children. I could shop and listen to the music at the stores, and go home and wrap them myself. I could participate. It was the best gift I have ever gotten."

Last holiday season, sponsors statewide contributed nearly half million dollars worth of gift certificates to 1,652 families statewide, totaling over 4,778 family members. The program hopes to meet that goal again this year. The Adopt-a-Family Program has been serving needy Delawareans for almost 30 years and is administered by Delaware Health and Social Services' Division of State Service Centers. Adopt-a-Family is a year-round program utilizing sponsors and volunteers who are committed to making life a little better for families in crisis.

For more information about becoming an Adopt-a-Family sponsor or volunteer, call (302) 792-9538 in New Castle County, (302) 739-3145 in Kent County, or (302) 424-2780 in Sussex County.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.