ThisWeek CW 10/31/2013
Canal Winchester Human Services is once again looking for residents willing to help those who are less fortunate through the annual Adopt-a-Family program.
Adopt-a-Family is coordinated by Canal Winchester Human Services through the Community Food Bank, and provides families living in Canal Winchester, Lithopolis and Bloom Carroll with food, clothing and gifts for the holidays.
Last year’s program assisted 340 people, about 65 of whom were children not specifically adopted by a donor, so Human Services took responsibility to provide for them, said Human Services Administrator Penny Miller.
“There is no doubt that the need for assistance will be significantly higher this year as the demand for all the programs administered by Canal Winchester Human Services has continued to expand,” Miller said.
Over the past several years, she said, program participation has grown steadily, including expanding by an additional 30 people between 2011 and 2012.
Families who are in need of assistance and would like to be considered for the program must submit an application by Nov. 22, Miller said.
Applications for assistance are available at cwhumanservices.org or can be picked up at the Canal Winchester Community Center, 22 S. Trine St., or the Community Food Pantry, 360 W. Waterloo St.
Donations to the Adopt-a-Family program can be made in several ways, Miller said.
“For those that can support the program, there are many opportunities to be a giver, and any way you choose will be appreciated,” she said. “You can ‘adopt’ a child or family, sponsor a gift-card tree or food and toy drive, or just make an individual donation of items including good, clean, used coats and new hats and mittens.”
Financial contributions also are welcome, Miller said, and will be used to support children and families who are not adopted by a resident or community organization. All donations are tax-deductible. Checks should be made payable to Canal Winchester Human Services.
“We hope that everyone in a position to be a giver will partner with Human Services to make the holidays a little better for our neighbors in need,” Miller said.
Additional information is available by emailing Miller at penny.cwhs@gmail.com or by calling 614-834-3888.
Adopt-a-Family is coordinated by Canal Winchester Human Services through the Community Food Bank, and provides families living in Canal Winchester, Lithopolis and Bloom Carroll with food, clothing and gifts for the holidays.