Greater need snags AFL-CIO adoption (for the holidays) program

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.stjoenews.net/news/2008/dec/25/greater-need-snags-afl-cio-adoption-program/?local

Donations split between 79 unadopted families
by Ahmad Safi
Thursday, December 25, 2008

Chris Jenkins, 13, had everything he needed for Christmas — so he adopted a 3-year-old boy.

“He didn’t say what he wanted, so I just got what I would have wanted when I was 3,” said Chris, a seventh-grader at St. Joseph’s Cathedral School. That included a $50 gift card, a tricycle, a Tonka toy, and a $10 movie pass.

The recipient was one of 725 families who signed up for the AFL-CIO Community Services’ Adopt-A-Family program this year. The increase in needy families who signed up this year wasn’t much — only 4 percent — but need has outpaced giving.

On Tuesday morning, 79 families awaited sponsors. Staff gave out gift certificates to the remaining families.

“It’s just been a slower season,” said Penny Adams, co-director of the non-profit organization. “The economy has been tough on everyone.”

AFL-CIO staff had already adopted out 646 individuals and families as the Christmas Eve deadline approached. Seniors and small families (three or fewer children) cost least to adopt and went quickest, Ms. Adams said.

FULL story at link.