In a year when many in the community are suffering extreme negative economic and emotional effects due to the COVID-19 crisis, JFCS of the Suncoast is seeking donors to brighten the holiday season for local families and seniors. Due to social isolation and uncertainty about the future, many people are experiencing deep depression, loneliness and fear at a time already known for the “holiday blues.”
Right now, people need to feel that someone cares. We are excited to help those in need and are hoping that a record number of donors will step up this year to adopt a family or senior.
Each year since 2004, JFCS of the Suncoast has initiated its Adopt-a-Family campaign each fall to provide presents and/or gift cards and other holiday items for families in need. For 2020, JFCS has over 300 children and 100 seniors waiting to be adopted.
How It Works
Those adopting a family should be prepared to purchase a gift card from a major retailer for the parent so that they can shop for food for the holidays. Donors will also provide new clothing and shoes and at least one to three of the child’s top wish list items. Items should be unwrapped.
The Adopt-a-Senior program will provide gift bags for seniors in isolation, including hard candy; stamps; a notepad and pen; hand lotion/sanitizer; chapstick; gift cards to Publix, Walgreens or Walmart; tissues; and magnets.
All gifts are due by December 4. If you would like to donate, please email Karen Pharo, Director of Community Outreach, at kpharo@jfcs-cares.org.
(SARASOTA, FL – November 9, 2020) – In a year when many in the community are suffering extreme negative economic and emotional effects due to the COVID-19 crisis, JFCS of the Suncoast is seeking donors to brighten the holiday season for local families and seniors. Due to social isolation and uncertainty about the future, many people are experiencing deep depression, loneliness and fear at a time already known for the “holiday blues.”
Each year since 2004, JFCS of the Suncoast has initiated its Adopt-a-Family campaign each fall to provide presents and/or gift cards and other holiday items for families in need. For 2020, JFCS has over 300 children and 100 seniors waiting to be adopted.
How It Works
Those adopting a family should be prepared to purchase a gift card from a major retailer for the parent so that they can shop for food for the holidays. Donors will also provide new clothing and shoes and at least one to three of the child’s top wish list items. Items should be unwrapped.
The Adopt-a-Senior program will provide gift bags for seniors in isolation, including hard candy; stamps; a notepad and pen; hand lotion/sanitizer; chapstick; gift cards to Publix, Walgreens or Walmart; tissues; and magnets.
All gifts are due by December 4. If you would like to donate, please email Karen Pharo, Director of Community Outreach, at kpharo@jfcs-cares.org.
“It has always been thrilling to see the faces of families and seniors when they receive their holiday packages, but after such a tough year, it’s going to mean more than ever to those who benefit,” notes JFCS Board of Directors Chair Dean Miller. “We’ve found that those who donate find as much, or more, joy than those who receive their gifts. I’m really looking forward to watching the reactions of everyone involved in this year’s program.”
To donate click the link and choose Adopt-A-Family in the drop down.
