SERVE Adopt-a-Family still in need of help

With Christmas only three weeks away, SERVE's annual Adopt-A-Family program is in need of some last-minute holiday help.

The organization still has 355 individuals, ages newborn to 75, who need to be adopted.

"We are in need of small children's clothing, gifts for teens, new coats, anything for kids ages 13 and over," said Callaway Action Network (CAN) Director Julie Roark, who coordinates the Adopt-A-Family program.

Roark said she has lots of dolls, puzzles, games and toys for younger children, but are lacking in items for babies ages 0-3 months and for children ages 10 and older.

Katie Davis, CAN assistant director, noted that there also is a a high need for gifts for disabled adults and senior citizens, whom she said do not get adopted as quickly as the families with children. Of the 356 individuals still remaining for adoption, 100 are adults.

"Blankets are always good, men's gift sets or women's gift sets, games like Uno, pajamas," Davis said.

Asked what is the best way for people to help at this point - by last-minute adoptions, monetary donations or donations of gifts - Roark said the answer is all of the above.

"Anything. If we can get people to adopt, that would help, if we can get money to go shop, or if people want to bring things to us, we will be here from 9 a.m. until at least 5, or they can leave a message for us at the office," Roark said Tuesday night after spending the day sorting through already-donated items at the Mueller Activity Center on the Westminster College campus, where Adopt-A-Family donations are due to be dropped off on Friday and Monday.

Gift distribution is set for Dec. 17, and Davis said SERVE will continue to accept donations and pledges through Dec. 16 in order to help meet the need. Roark noted that if there are individuals who want to help, but are not currently able to make a donation, they can still make a pledge and SERVE can have that amount temporarily matched.

With 1,049 recipients enrolled in Adopt-A-Family this year, Roark said the program continues to be important because "we are giving hope."

Davis quickly agreed.

"We try to make sure everybody has hope, especially at this time of year," Davis said. "No gift is too small. We will not rest until everyone is taken care of."

Anyone interested in contributing to Adopt-A-Family can call (573) 642-6388 or email [email protected].