CCS Seeks Adopt-A-Family ApplicationsChristmas time is quickly approaching, and Combined Community Services is once again expecting an even larger number of families in need of a little extra help.
The Adopt-A-Family program begins next week.
Applications for families who have never used the program will be accepted Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Nov. 10, from 9 a.m. to noon, will be for families who have used the program no more than two years previously.
Adopt-A-Family is for children 14 and younger who reside in Kosciusko County.
CCS exchanges information with other Christmas help programs to prevent duplication, and assure that all children have an equal chance for holiday help.
Last year, 72 percent of families who signed up for assistance were new.
Due to the economy and unemployment, families who had never needed assistance sought help at area agencies.
The number is expected to be as high or higher this year, according to Peggi Lisenbee-Wright, CCS director of emergency assistance.
"The true meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the greatest gift we were ever given. Our community is unique in its tremendous support of agencies in Kosciusko County," Lisenbee-Wright said.
"Regardless of the need, our residents are always willing to support it. This is one of my favorite programs because it gives us all a chance to provide laughter to children who are suffering in poverty or economic crisis," she said.
Lisenbee-Wright said, in the midst of all the painful issues, Adopt-A-Family is a gift of grace.
People who would like to adopt a family for Christmas can stop by CCS, 110 E. Prairie St., Warsaw, and select a family or families to adopt. People also can call 574-269-6019, Ext. 22, for Peggi; Ext. 21 for Karen; or Ext. 30 for Christie.
