Adopt-A-Family Program
(Monday, November 26th to Friday, December 14th)
Thank you for your willingness to participate in the Adopt-a-Family Program this year! The adoption process begins at two non-profit agencies: Blue Mountain Heart to Heart and Salvation Army. All families who qualify for the program are screened through one of these agencies and live at or below the poverty level. For information on how to adopt a family, please read the list below.
- First, get a group of people from you residence hall, office, department, club, Greek group, etc. to commit to adopting a family.
- Ask your group to donate whatever they can towards making your adopted family's holiday season a bit brighter.
- To decide what size family your group can afford, figure on paying $10 per family member for a food certificate and roughly $40 dollars per family member for gifts. Therefore, a family of 5 would cost around $250.
- After collecting your money and deciding on your family's size, contact the Center for Community Service to receive your family's information sheet, 527-5765 or ccs@whitman.edu.
- Once you have your information sheet, you can purchase your grocery store gift certificate. We really like Super 1 on 9th St. Put the certificate in an envelope and clearly print your family's number and "food certificate" on the outside. Tape the envelope to one of your family's gifts so it doesn't get lost.
- Shop for the other gifts at stores you think are appropriate for you family. If you get stuck for ideas, remember gift certificates are great for adults and teenagers. Also, you can attach gift receipts to items you are unsure about in case the family needs to exchange them.
- Mark each gift clearly with the number of the family as well as the recipient's first name.
- Please do not wrap gifts. Unfortunately, all items must be checked for appropriateness. However, gift bags are just fine.
- Collect all your gifts, certificates, etc. and put them together in large boxes and/or garbage bags with your family's name clearly marked on the outside. This ensures they receive everything you have purchased.
- Drop off bags and boxes to the Welty Health Center anytime of day. They are open 24 hours a day.
- The final drop-off date is Friday, December 14th at noon. However, gifts may be dropped off as early as Friday, December 7th.
Thank you again for lending your support to the families of Walla Walla! Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have further questions.
