Still time to contribute to Voluntary Action Center's Adopt-a-Family program

by Morgan Ledermann, posted Dec. 15, 2009

The Voluntary Action Center in Columbia has received enough sponsors for its 26th annual Christmas Program, Adopt a Family. More than 1,100 low-income Boone County families and individuals signed up for the program.

“Santas” have the choice of any size family to sponsor and are asked to provide the making of a holiday meal and at least one new gift for each child up to age 18, elderly individuals and disabled individuals.

Every year, CAFNR students become “santas.”  CAFNR clubs adopt families and the Student Council has a “wrapping party" so the gifts can be wrapped and then delivered to the families. 

“Christmas is a season of giving and it is nice to give back to a family in need,” said Rachel Duff, senior agricultural journalism major, and president of the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, who adopted a family this year.

Last year, local community members, businesses and organizations sponsored more than 1200 low-income families in Boone County.  This year’s numbers are surprisingly less than last year’s.  So despite economic turmoil for many, families in the Columbia community are not showing increased need. 

Nonetheless, volunteers in Columbia have reached out to the families who have found themselves in serious need.

The Voluntary Action Center's Christmas distribution will continue through Dec. 17. Those who have not adopted a family but still want to participate can make a financial donation or purchase toys and other items. These additional gifts will help the Voluntary Action Center ensure a happy Christmas for all local families this Christmas.

“We were too small of a club to sponsor a whole family, but this program has been so flexible in providing a way to help,” said Kristen Wright, senior animal science major and president of Mizzou Collegiate Cattlewomen. “We are working with another club, so we are each sponsoring half a family. It is nice to know that we can help half of a family have a happy holiday.”

Financial contributions may be sent directly to the Voluntary Action Center’s office. Contact the Voluntary Action Center at 874-2273 for more information.

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