More than 120 families and 115 individuals throughout Volunteers of America’s continuum of
care enjoyed a brighter Christmas in 2008 thanks
to your generous support of Volunteers of America's adopt-a-family program. Click here to see photos
of 2008 donors and recipients.
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Thank you so much
I never once believed I was important enough to have another family want to buy Christmas for me that didn't even know me. Everything was perfect. Thank you so much. You will be blessed. – Tiffanie
Despite difficult downturns in the economy, generous contributors from the business world and the community at large made Volunteers of America's 2008 adopt-a-family holiday program a success.
The Christmas wishes of 124 families and 118 individuals – including Tiffanie and her 9-month-old daughter Taylor – were granted by donors who began calling as early as October in hopes of making the Christmases of those in need a little brighter.
In 2008, 22 area companies and churches, including Lennar, Macy's, Sacramento State University, Cortina Systems, California Farm Bureau Federation and County of Sacramento participated in the Adopt-a-Family program, with 59 private individuals also playing Santa for those in need.
“Back in 2001 we decided to make a conscious decision to replace our holiday parties with a ‘giving back’ opportunity,” said Lennar Vice President of Sales Laura Stickelman. “Since then, we’ve culminated year-long support of Volunteers of America – support that’s ranged from help for victims of Hurricane Katrina, to rehabilitation of group homes – with holiday ‘adoptions’ each December.”
“Over the years, we’ve worked with several different Volunteers of America programs, including those for homeless mothers with children, former foster youth and the homeless mentally ill,” said Stickelman. “We look for organizations that are aimed at helping the homeless reestablish themselves, and those that help young people get established – that’s why we gravitated to Volunteers of America and come back year after year. You help people help themselves – you don’t offer a hand out, but a hand up.”
The generosity of Lennar's employees and those of all the adopt-a-family participants was especially moving in what was a challenging year not only for Volunteers of America, but all nonprofit agencies. The community's kindness did not go unappreciated.
"I would have to say this is the best Christmas I have ever had," said Sarah, a client of Volunteers of America's Options for Recovery program. "I grew up in foster care and never got much, plus I didn't have a real family to spend it with. ... I feel like an angel has been looking down at me and gave me all I needed. I am so filled with joy. Thank you so much for everything. God bless you!"
"I would like to express to you how much your kind hearts and your spirit of giving meant to my family and me," began Monique in her thank-you note to her Adopt-a-Family sponsor. "We were barely settling in and financially we were not able to afford presents or a tree for our family," continued Monique, who moved to Mather Community Campus with her husband and three small children in December 2008. "Thanks to your kind and loving hearts our children were able to have presents to open on Christmas Day. I feel that God has blessed us, through you, to be thankful and grateful for people like you. ... Have a blessed and happy New Year."
In addition to those gifts purchased for "adopted" men, women and children, community contributions to our hats, scarves, gloves and socks program made it possible for Volunteers of America to give 314 sets of hats, gloves, scarves, socks and ponchos to the homeless who frequent our Winter Shelter, Comprehensive Alcohol Treatment Center and A Street Shelter for Men.
(Click here to see photos of 2008 adopt-a-family clients and donors.)