The Adopt-a-Family Christmas Program will continue its tradition in Marion County, but with some new sponsors.
The Social Service Agency BCMW is bowing out of its major role and will be replaced by the Centralia Community Youth Center and the Centralia Moose Lodge. WJBD/WSIQ Radio will continue to coordinate the program from the Salem area.
The Program Director at the Centralia Community Youth Center, Josh Favors, will lead the effort and will receive assistance from BCMW in the transition.
“It’s an honor for us to take it over,” Favors said. “It helps us to do our mission, which is to help serve the community, and I think a lot of people are going to benefit from it.”
Favors didn’t want to see the program end.
“Sad as it is, it brightens our day to be able to step in and help, because you don’t know why people are in that situation. Sometimes it’s nobody’s fault, but things happen. Just being able to make a kid’s Christmas a little bit brighter and maybe take some of the stress off the parents.”
Signup for the program will be Monday, November 4th, through Friday, November 15th. Applications may be completed at the youth center at 1224 East Rexford in Centralia from noon to five 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 South Maple Street in Salem. Hours for sign up at the library are 10:30 am to 6 pm Monday through Thursday and 9:30 am to 1 pm on Saturday. All applications require proof of SNAP or Link benefits such as a letter from DHS or a copy of a SNAP card. No other income verification will be needed this year.
The Adopt-a-Family program has provided warm clothing and toys to many families for the last 26 years. Cash donations are accepted, some businesses and groups have held toy drives, and many groups and individuals, churches, schools, businesses or organizations have adopted families and shopped and wrapped gifts for them. If you would like to make a donation or Adopt-a-Family you may call the Centralia Community Youth Center at (618) 532-6530.
The Centralia Community Youth Center-WJBD radio 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.
