A Season of Giving: Adopt-a-Family Brings Holiday Hope to 78 Local Families
The holiday season is meant to be a time of warmth, connection, and joy—but for many families, it can also bring added stress and uncertainty. This year, thanks to the generosity of our community, United Way of Greater Central Michigan’s Adopt-a-Family program helped ensure more families could experience the holidays with dignity, comfort, and hope.
Through the kindness of 76 dedicated sponsors, we were able to support 78 local families, reaching a total of 401 children and caregivers across our region. Sponsors stepped up to provide gifts, essential household items, clothing, and food—meeting families’ most immediate needs while also creating moments of joy that will be remembered long after the season ends.
In addition to the time and care sponsors put into shopping and wrapping, the program was strengthened by an estimated $53,865 in in-kind donations. These gifts represent far more than a dollar value—they reflect compassion, empathy, and a community willing to rally around its neighbors when it matters most.
For families facing financial hardship, the impact of Adopt-a-Family goes beyond presents under the tree. It eases burdens, restores hope, and reminds parents and caregivers that they are not alone. For sponsors, it’s an opportunity to see firsthand how generosity can change lives and strengthen the community we all share.
We are deeply grateful to every sponsor, volunteer, and partner who helped make this year’s Adopt-a-Family program a success. Your generosity helped replace stress with smiles and filled the season with comfort, dignity, and hope.
Together, we will continue to show that United is the Way—not just during the holidays, but all year long.
