Have you ever 'adopted' a family for Xmas, or been adopted? What can you tell me about it?

Question

Where do you suggest looking for a family? Churches, and...?

Should it be anonymous? Why/why not?

What sort of budget is reasonable?

What're the best presents, things to do, etc?

And, anything else at all you can think of. Please feel free to ramble and tell me about your experiences. Thanks!

Re. "...anonymous and that was good becuase we felt it was more from there heart and not for a look at me attitude" -- interesting to know.

If I wasn't anonymous, it would be so I could (1) enjoy meeting them, and (2) find more out about what's really wanted. I do not know, for example, how many churches are willing to pass along a bottle of Bailey's -- but I suspect stuff like that would be a welcome addition to the more usual sorts of gifts.

Details, please, details! I cook a great deal and enjoy it thoroughly -- would ready-made meals (excellent ones, I swear) be appreciated?

Answer 1

We have adopted several families...and were adopted once....The reason we were adopted was because we were totally down and out because my husband had a heart attack a month before Christmas, we had not applied or expected to be adopted, so it came as a total surprise to us and the children, and the group of people that adopted us went all out. They arrived on out doorstep a week before Christmas with a tree, and a good months worth of groceries including everything we would need for Christmas dinner. Tons of toys for the kids delivered by Santa himself. It was a local factory full of people who heard about us and just decided to organise it. It was a bit embarrassing because we were used to being on the giving end, not the recieving end, but it was a true blessing.
We have adopted many many families threw the years. You can find names of families threw churches or local agencies like Federal Indepence Agency (what used to be call the welfare office) They will supply you with names and ages and sizes, needs and wishlists. Organize people to help and donate items, we usually gave each person that offered to help a name and the list for that name and they would buy and wrap those items. Don't forget to get food as well. A gas card is also helpful. For one family we also took cash donations and pre paid their winter propane bill. Just use your imagination, and remember to treat the family with dignaty when you deliver, as it is alway embarassing to families (often single mother's) to be on the recieving end. Merry Christmas...giving is the best part!

Answer 2

You should go to your locale school house. The school in my town has people that give to family's that the school recommends. If you don't want to be anonymous you can ask the family what the children most want, if you want to be anonymous buy for the appropriate age. At my job we got names off of a tree that was set up in our cafe. and it had the name and age on it. This was for the children in foster care. So you have many options. churches here do this also but they have raised the money to do it already and take the first names that come. So I think you would best help thru the school or welfare office.I think what you want to do is great and wish you all the rewards that comes from giving! Merry Christmas and God bless. wow I did ramble didn't I? lol

Answer 3

Calling a church is the best idea you have. They are always aware of families in need.

It doesn't need to be anonymous, most people would like to thank the ones who helped them.

Depending on the size of the family you choose, the budget can be flexible, you set the limit.

What a wonderful thing you are doing! If more people would help people, our welfare systems would go out of business. Bless You.

Answer 4

I help 2 -4 families every year..I get the names from churches and or the Library..They usually know its me because i drop the goods off..But i don't tell them its me doing it, i just figure they know..Anyhow i spend about 100 per family..I buy food, some needed clothing,boots mittens, hats,coats..And a few toys that are on there list..I love helping needy families during the holidays, To be honest i am sure there quite embarrassed..But they are also relieved at the same time..

Answer 5

i LOVE doing this every year.

in previous years i have taken an ornament with a kid's name and wants on it from a tree in the post office.

this year we looked at big brothers big sisters to give us a family. we got 3 kids ages 7-15. we bought everything they had on the list. it wasn't that expensive at all. my husband's work has chipped in to get them all gift cards as well. we figure hey we have no kids, why not make a holiday for some kid. the family won't know who we are, but i don't care. i get satisfaction from helping them out.

we spent about $150 ourselves for these 3 kids

i know a lot of churches do gifting trees, as do post offices. also check with the local food pantry. you can probably donate a meal for a family or items toward a meal.

Answer 6

we used to do it whe nI was in high school and we did it at work last year. community care in my area set it up and families that signed up were given to places that wanted to participate. then we bought gifts, clothes, got food and turkey vouchers. community care picks it up before the holiday at it goes to the parents who get it ready for the holidays. it is always anonymous because the family doesnt want people to know who they are and its best they dont know who you are either. if its abig organization who does it they may send a thank you letter that will be given to you, but they wont know who you are. They tell you the kids sizes and ages so you know what toys and clothes to buy.

Answer 7

WELL GLAD YOU ASK.Our church adopted a family one year who had lost everything.
My family took and gave everyone a coat,hat,scarves,gloves.
One family did,cookware,dishes,flatware.
Three families gave food,tons of food.
and so on it went.
The family had a clue,we needed sizes.
CHURCH is the best place to find a family.
Our Pastor gave each a Bible with names on them and study books.
Remember that some people may be ashamed to need these things.I think it is better to ask your Pastor,how to do the best way.
God Bless You
Merry Christmas

Answer 8

every year I adopt a few kids....you don't have to be anonymous just be discreet.....I just bought.....three hundred dollars worth of toys....and I got fifteen cabage patch newborns...five dora dolls...fisher price carnivals...and approx twenty or twenty five barbie dolls...I also got Dr Seuss books and Matching stuffed characters from Kohls at five dollars apiece.. last year I had a family of four...this year....I met a woman working at Walmart who has eight children....I am going to assist her and buy the kids some toys and clothes and coats....I am also sending a
care package to the soldiers in Iraq.....

alot of banks in my area have names you pick of a tree or you
can call your local community service center...or church...I went to J C Penney and Macy's they are having huge sales....you can't beat some of the prices...so have fun...

Answer 9

yeah, me and my family was adopted for christmas once and i felt good that someone took time to give to us. it was anonymous and that was good becuase we felt it was more from there heart and not for a look at me attitude.

Answer 10

One year we were kind of short on cash, so I sold two of my kids to some gypsies so I could get a Playstation. So I guess that was kind of the same.