11:15 a.m., Nov. 22, 2002--Members of the University of Delaware community are working with the Adopt-a-Family program to assist families in need during the holiday season.
Adopt-a-Family has been a Delaware tradition for 29 years, anonymously matching sponsors with families in need that have been referred to the program through social service agencies.
To date, UD staff members have adopted five families, according to Ed Squire, a volunteer who works with the program.
Squire said there also is substantial student involvement, and students are planning an informational kiosk Friday, Dec. 6, at the Trabant University Center.
Adopt-a-Family is continuing an approach that debuted last year in which sponsors provide families with gift certificates to their favorite stores. Noel Jones, program administrator for New Castle County, said the approach helped provide families more of a hand up than a hand out.
Last year, Adopt-a-Family provided nearly $500,000 worth of gift certificates to 1,751 families.
For information on becoming an Adopt-a-Family sponsor or volunteer, call (302) 792-9538.
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