Adopting a Family for Christmas

Does anyone have any experience with this? I've always wanted to adopt a family and I found an agency here in town that has a list of families in need. Any advice, experiences, suggestions?

Jodi

[Auspicious]

I had a friend who did that and was taken aback that the things on the kids' wishlists were more expensive than what she was planning to get her own nephews.

I would think a well-run program would have a way around that, but it might be something to ask about before committing.

[rainbabies]

a looooong time ago, when i was in girl scouts we did a gift basket.

the way we did it was with a food gift basket and things that they needed with one toy for each child.

things needed: winter coats, hats, shoes, jeans, a special dress, bath items, gift certificate to a food store.

I had a friend who did that and was taken aback that the things on the kids' wishlists were more expensive than what she was planning to get her own nephews.

I'm trying to remember when, but I have encountered that. I think it was something through preschool and I just asked for a different family.

We did adopt a family a few times when I was growing up. For the most part, it was a good experience and really put things in perspective. Especially when we delivered the food and gifts. I would recommend trying it. We also did the Meals on Wheels delivery for Thanksgiving or Christmas a few times. It doesn't take long and isn't much of an interruption to the day as long as you aren't hosting.

I'd like to do that again next year. When we go see Santa, we have DD take one of the tags off the Toys for Tots tree and buy a gift. (Or whatever that is called...but you get the idea).

[SuzySunshine]

If you can't find a good program you might see what programs your Salvation Army has - they tend to be true families in need IMO.

[Stella]

We always sponsored through church or school. I think my Alumni group does something as well.