We remember when Adopt-A-Family began with the help of Helena Baker, then of Conway, more than two decades ago. Who knew that the need to help those families less fortunate among us would continue to this day. The responsibility for carrying on this work has been handed down more than once over the years since, as the burden seems never to lighten.
Today, the annual charity is coordinated by Libby Kolasinski of South Deerfield and friends. They typically line up Christmas present donors for about 215 families who benefit from Adopt-A-Family of Franklin County each year.
That part of the story doesn’t change much from year to year, it seems, but this year Kolasinski has sent up a flare, because the volunteer organization was experiencing a shortage of sponsors. About 30 families who signed up for help putting presents under the tree still needed sponsors.
Kolasinski told the Recorder that employees at 10 or 11 social agencies are given slots for families they know are struggling. Sponsors provide an anonymous family with food for all three meals on Christmas Day and at least a couple of gifts. According to Kolasinski, sponsors are encouraged to purchase one practical gift and one fun gift.
Kolasinski said other people she knows in charity work have said they are also having trouble meeting demands, which grow every year.
“There are more people in need,” she said. “Parents are asking for things for their children, instead of things for themselves — more so than I’ve ever seen.”
Karin Anderson, the Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) community coordinator for Franklin and Hampshire counties and the North Quabbin area, says the local WIC office typically has 50 to 60 families every year who benefit from Adopt-A-Family.
“The families are so thankful,” Anderson told the Recorder, adding “It’s amazing. Families are in tears sometimes … I can’t say enough about the program. It actually brings tears to my eyes, just to see the joy and the relief on the families’ faces.”
Kolasinski said there are nearly 400 adults and roughly 750 children involved with Adopt-A-Family of Franklin County this year. She said the food and gifts are brought to Holy Family Parish between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 20 and families pick them up the following day.
Kolasinski also said the effort is made possible with the help of roughly 40 volunteers.
OK. Time has nearly run out for these 30 or so families that may be counting on Kolasinski and her volunteers — and you. More information is available at contact@adoptafamilyfc.org.
Oh, yes, this giving is anonymous, the best kind, although it may not be as good for the ego because there’s no limelight or seeing the tears of joy for yourselves. But it’s good for the soul, and it’s good for the families in dire straits who need the help. And that’s what really counts.
Why not contact Adopt-A-Family, and give yourself — and someone else — a Merry Christmas.