The BCMW/WJBD Adopt-A-Family Christmas Program will begin taking applications for disadvantaged families in Marion County beginning Tuesday, November 1, 2022.
Applications will be taken Tuesday, November 1st through Friday, November 5th and on Monday, November 7th, 2022. Applications may be completed at BCMW Community Services at 909 E. Rexford in Centralia from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the designated days. For those families closer to the Salem area, you may complete an application at the Bryan-Bennett Library located at 315 S. Maple Street in Salem. Hours are Monday through Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and Saturday, November 5th from 9:30-1:00 p.m. All applications require 30 days’ proof of household income and Medicaid card. Each location will make copies of documents if you are unable to make your own.
BCMW Community Services will be coordinating with other Christmas projects in the county to avoid duplications and reach those most in need. The program targets those making strides toward stability. All applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 7, 2022.
The Adopt-A-Family Program provided warm clothing and toys for 197 families which included 534 children during the 2021 Christmas season. Cash donations were received from many entities across Marion County. Toy drives were conducted by local schools and businesses. There were also close to 65 individuals, groups, churches, schools, businesses or organizations that adopted families and shopped and wrapped gifts for them. Anyone wishing to adopt a child to purchase for or to make a toy or cash donation may contact Tammy Chmielewski at (618) 532-7388 ext. 127.
