Adopt A Family for Christmas
The Adopt-A-Family Program is designed to help those that are in the most critical need this holiday season and is coordinated by CCM. The program pairs referred clients/families with groups or individuals who have volunteered to “Adopt” a family for Christmas. Referrals come from school counselors or social workers. Family adoptions are not guaranteed and are based on the amount of individuals willing to participate in this program. CCM does not take self-referrals. Individuals must submit an application through their school counselor or social worker and is especially for families in critical need and not receiving help from any other source.
The deadline to adopt a family is Monday, December 16th.
If you would like to Adopt-A-Family, please contact:
Lorie Williams, Volunteer Coordinator
The Empty Stocking Fund is a holiday assistance program that helps struggling families who are in the most critical need. Applications are vetted and submitted by school counselors or caseworkers. CCM matches referred clients/families with groups or individuals who have volunteered to “Adopt” a family for Christmas.
It is important to adopt a realistic size family that you feel comfortable assisting based on your personal budget. Our families range from single moms, dads, seniors, mentally challenged senior adults and small to large sized families. You may choose to gift the parents and the children, and/or provide a gift card for the parents.
- If your budget is small, it is recommended to adopt a small family of 1 or 2 children.
Once you have selected a family, you will receive an email with the family details including sizes, needs and wish list.
- Please make contact within 24-48 hours, introduce yourself and let them know you will be assisting their family for Christmas.
- Stay in communication with the family about gift drop-off dates.
Gift cards are especially meaningful to the families. Gift cards preserve the dignity of the parents allowing them to do the shopping for their own gifts and food for the holidays. Most families appreciate and welcome the opportunity to shop as well as select and wrap the gifts themselves for their kids. If you prefer to shop, you will be given a list of sizes for each family member, as well as a needs list.
- There is no obligation to purchase everything on the wish list. You are welcome to contact the family to discuss gift ideas, sizes, and needs for the family.
We have found that Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Target, gas and grocery store gift cards are always appreciated. There is no set amount that you are required to spend per child or per family. You may provide the family with a Christmas meal by gifting them with a grocery store gift card. For older teens, gift cards are a good idea. If you would like to remain anonymous, we can assist with getting your family a gift card, but not gifts.
We recommend that you have a discussion with the parent about gift wrapping options. Families may prefer to wrap the gifts themselves; offering to provide gift wrap is always appreciated.
Yes, it is your responsibility to get your family their gift cards or gifts by the week before Christmas, or earlier. Please choose a central location for drop-off. Locations may include a church, school, mall, restaurant, or store.
- For safety reasons, we always recommend that you take someone with you when you deliver gifts.
Yes, you can donate gift cards by dropping them off at the Crisis Center, 246 Country Club Dr. NE, Concord, designating them to be used for Adopt A Family. You can also donate to CCM’s Utility Assistance Program by mailing a donation to CCM (PO Box 1717 Concord, NC 28026) and please note Utility Assistance in the memo.
- CCM will not be able to provide you with a tax receipt for a family that you are adopting because the gifts go directly to the families and not to CCM. Please contact your tax advisor for any questions.
