Sponsors still needed for Adopt-a-Family Stratford Christmas program

With 35 families on the list to receive gift cards as part of the fourth annual Adopt-a-Family Stratford program this holiday season, organizers are still looking for generous locals to help ensure those in need can have a merry Christmas.

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First started in 2020 as a gift-giving program for families struggling during the pandemic, Adopt-a-Family Stratford evolved this year to provide low-income families with gift cards to local businesses donated by area residents and businesses to help them purchase groceries, gifts and other items on their holiday wish lists.

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“In previous years, we did physical gifts for families, as well as the $50 gift card. This year, it’s all gift cards just because trying to store and deliver all those gifts takes a lot of space and effort. … This year’s program is smaller than last year’s. Last year, we had 54 families, but last year we also had five (program) administrators and this year we’re down to three,” organizer Ashley Jantzi said.

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“In previous years it’s kind of been a free for all – anyone could apply (as a recipient) – and we were able to sponsor everyone. …This year, it’s a little bit harder with inflation. Especially last year, a lot of sponsors said, ‘I want to help, but I can’t do much. What can I do?’ This year, to make it a smoother process and to keep our numbers in control … we asked that families provide their tax forms showing their low-income family status so we’re making sure we’re helping the people who need the help.”

For those who can and want to help this year, Jantzi said people can email [email protected] to find out exactly what gift cards are needed to help a specific family purchase items on their wish lists. While no personal information is shared with sponsors, each family on the list is asked to choose their preferred grocery store and other local businesses so they receive gift cards specific to their needs and wants.

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“The family fills out a wish list every year and they specify the grocery store they want to get their Christmas meal items from. Some people want Food Basics, other people want No Frills (and) some want Walmart,” Jantzi said. “It’s the same thing with the gift cards this year because every person is allotted $50 for their personal gift cards. I have some families who put down Canadian Tire, I have some families who want Amazon or whatever kind of gift card works for them. That’s what they put on the list and that’s what we give to the sponsor.”

Once sponsors purchase those gift cards, they will be able to drop them off with Adopt-a-Family Stratford organizers at Zehrs in Stratford on Dec. 3. The families on the list can then pick up their specific gift cards the following week on Dec. .12 and 13.

This year, Jantzi said she expects to distribute $6,400 in gift cards across the 35 families in need. For more information on this program, check out the Adopt-a-Family Stratford Facebook page.

[email protected]

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