2003
Sponsor
A Family
(Archived
Issues : Changing Lives)
During the year-end holiday
season, it can be a struggle for financially disadvantaged families to
experience joy and hope. Again in 2003, LSS and Catholic Charities will
partner in the "Sponsor A Family" program. This holiday gift
program connects client families with donors who shop for gifts of
clothes, toys, certificates for groceries, and basic household necessities
that will be gifts for specific family members. This personal "matching"
distinguishes this holiday gift program as one that meets the personal
needs and wishes of the recipients. This "matching" gives a message that
someone personally cares.
In 2002, Catholic Charities
and LSS partnered together and combined their respective, Adopt a Family
and Sponsor A Family, programs. Headstart of Ramsey County and Cornerstone
were other non-profit agencies who were invited to register client
families. Over 1,825 families in the St. Paul and Minneapolis metro
area experienced joy and hope during last year's holiday season through
this partnership program!
The donors and volunteers are
the keys to the success of this program. Donors are anonymously matched
with families or individuals who provide a "wish list" of desired gifts.
Additional donors give cash that's used to purchase grocery certificates
and retail gift certificates. Other donors provide extra gifts and toys
that are given to families that were not able to be timely matched with a
specific donor.
Volunteers started these
programs and continue to provide key leadership and staffing resources.
Last year, there were over 2,729 volunteer hours contributed during
the several months that it takes to organize and operate this program!
You can share the blessings
and joy of the Christmas season with others by participating in this
Sponsor A Family program! To either become a donor and/or help as a
volunteer, please call the following toll-free numbers after September 1,
2003:
Minneapolis Sponsor A
Family 1-866-620-2236
St. Paul Sponsor A Family 1-800-285-3014
www.sponsorafamily.org
