Adopt-a-Family program seeks givers
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Maryville High School students shown helped last year with the Community Services Inc.’s Adopt-a-Family holiday program.
This holiday season, Community Services Inc.’s Adopt-a-Family program seeks to help as many or more families and children than last year. Currently the organization still has 73 children awaiting adoption in the holiday program.
Adopt a Family for, at least the last three years has been able to completely fill the needs of all those families that applied.
“Each year numerous families in our community are in need and every year it grows. Here in Nodaway County, we’ve been blessed enough to be able to help with making this happen,” said Cathy Rybolt, Nodaway County outreach director for Community Services Inc. The holidays are a special time where communities come together and help those in need.”
Last year the organization served 125 families, which included 289 children. In addition to serving families, the organization also helps veterans, the elderly and adults with disabilities.
Each year more than 100 families apply for the Adopt a Family program which pairs an adopted family with an organization or other community member to offer assistance with Christmas gifts, clothes or even food.
One thing she’s seen a large need for is warm clothing, both for children and adults.
“Nobody’s coming to get coats,” Rybolt said. “I have a room full of coats. We have coats.”
She said with the coat drive earlier this fall, they still have many coats available for those who need them.
“Many of those families are struggling with tough situations,” Rybolt said. “Some are single parents, or just parents having financial hardship. Some are just in need of assistance. It may be with getting clothing to keep the kids warm, toys to put under the tree or a nice meal for the holidays. Every little bit helps.”
Rybolt said they’ll continue to take applications from prospective families and children who need adopting through Friday, so the number in need may increase. She received at least four applications Tuesday.
“Two years ago, a family called just right the day before we closed for Christmas,” she said. “They had just gotten their children back, they weren’t expecting to. They had nothing.”
Someone had called her the day before seeking anyone who might need something. “We were able to hook them up, and by 5 o’clock they got gifts. It’s just amazing the things that happen. Even when you think it’s not going to happen, it works out.”
The Adopt-a-Family program works with Toys for Tots for age-eligible children, newborns through age 12.
“We use one form,” Rybolt said. “It’s kind of a 2-for-1 deal.”
Adoption looks different for every person who adopts she said. Sometimes people only want to adopt children, or they want the whole family. Some only want to do food for someone.
“Typically, we like the people who adopt to make contact with the family so they can deliver it,” Rybolt said. “However sometimes, like with school groups, they would prefer to bring it here. Everyone is different.”
She said some people want to adopt the same people they adopted last year, or someone they know. Also, it’s not a requirement to give names in order to adopt or donate.
“Some people would prefer we not include their names,” Rybolt said.
Also, it’s not necessary to adopt a family to help. She said if anyone would like to donate any items or funds, those also will be used for the holiday program.
She said there have been few people and groups who adopted in the previous years, but she’s thankful that things just fell into place.
“I feel blessed that Nodaway County Community Services hasn’t had to send out letters requesting money,” Rybolt said. “Overall I don’t know that the community really knows about the program.”
Rybolt said the average person usually donates about $50 per person adopted. “When you think about it like that it won’t be so much.” She also said if the kids qualify for Toys for Tots they won’t have to purchase toys, but could focus on the other items requested.
“As a sponsor, you will be able to help with a family’s needs, big or small, and it is always appreciated,” she said.
If interested in participating in the program or making a donation, call Rybolt at 660-582-3113.
SKYE POURNAZARI/DAILY FORUM
Community Services Inc. has 73 children seeking adoption through the Adopt-a-Family holiday program. For more information, contact Cathy Rybolt at 660-582-3113.
