Adopt-A-Family

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Thanks to our generous donors, West Valley Community Services (WVCS) was able to distribute gifts to 235 needy families this holiday season! Through the Adopt-A-Family program, 145 families were adopted by local community members, faith-based organizations, companies, service clubs, schools, and groups. Client families wrote down their need and wish lists and their adoptors shopped for those gifts. When the client families picked up their gifts from their adopters, many were astounded by the generosity shown by a stranger.

"Thank you so much! It helps a lot to have a helping hand for when life is down. You really made a super Xmas for me and the girls and I am thankful for having someone to be there. Thank you! Have a Merry Xmas & Happy New Year!" -D. (Single Father of 2)

Over 90 families, triple the amount of families last year, were able to shop for gifts for their family through the Holiday Shopping Spree program. Through the overwhelming response of donations from the community, families were able to pick from a wide range of items including clothing, household appliances, toys, basic needs items, and even Build-A-Bear stuffed animals as gifts for their loved ones.

"One never knows when things might turn absolutely upside down and services such as these make a huge difference when luck is hiding behind a cloud. I thank you as I do my children." -M

New this year was the kids shopping area coordinated by West Valley Presbyterian Church, where children were able to pick out gifts for their parents. This allowed the opportunity for parents to pack away their gifts before their children could see what they would be receiving. A single mom had her gifts wrapped by a member of Cupertino's Teen Commission and hid the gifts in the car before picking up her son from the kids' room. "I want this to be a surprise for him."

These programs were only possible with the support from the community. 235 families were able to forget their struggles for a while and enjoy the holiday with their family. "I would like you to know how much we appreciate this. I have been through everything you can imagine: abuse, homelessness, Child Protective Services, alcoholism, addiction, but have made it. But through all out struggles, we have grew stronger. If it weren't for you we wouldn't have Christmas. Thank you. Bless You!" -B. (Mother of 6)