(file photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

NEOSS Adopt a Family

NEOSS seeking adopters for the Christmas Adopt a Family program

Nov 5, 2019 | 11:20 AM

The North East Outreach and Support Services (NEOSS) Adopt a Family program is looking for adopters.

The adopters purchase Christmas gifts for families in need this holiday season.

“These families are identified through either our shelter or outreach department,” NEOSS Executive Director Louise Schweitzer said. “They’re families that are struggling and maybe won’t have as large a Christmas.”

The program has a maximum of 35 families eligible for receiving assistance, and Schweitzer said they have about 20 adopters so far.

Adopters are matched up with a family, and a wish list and information is sent to those willing to adopt a family for Christmas.

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“[The program is] a great way to work with those families to help them have a better Christmas,” Schweitzer said. “It’s also a very honourable way to feel giving for yourself as well, and a great thing to teach kids.”

There are a number of options available for people willing to adopt a family. Adopters can purchase groceries or a gift card for groceries for families.

Schweitzer said people are matched with families of the adopter’s choice as much as possible, and NEOSS is looking for those looking to match with larger families of four children or more.

The items will be dropped off at the NEOSS shelter building Dec. 16, 17, and 18, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Schweitzer said the gifts are taken by NEOSS staff and are anonymously forwarded onto the families. She said NEOSS would like to have adopters come forward as soon as possible, so they can do the matching.

“That gives [adopters] the opportunity and as much time as possible to do the shopping you want to do for the families,” Schweitzer said, adding the deadline is Dec. 1.

To sign up to help this holiday season, call the NEOSS office at (306) 752-9464 or send a message to their Facebook page.

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cam.lee@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @camlee1974