Help support local families in need this holiday season.

Join our 2025 Adopt-A-Family program and help make the season a little brighter for those experiencing hardship.

What is Adopt-A-Family?

This program matches local community members with families within the Lincoln-Way area, who lack the resources to purchase gifts and other necessities on their own during the holiday season. Sponsors will provide items obtained from a wish-list submitted by their assigned family - items potentially including non-perishable goods, paper products, cleaning supplies and personal care items, on top of clothing, household goods and toys.  For many families, these gifts are the only ones they will receive this holiday season. Adopt-A-Family sponsors can be individuals, a single family, multiple families, or even a group/business.

Sponsorship Q&A:

How do I know what gifts to buy?

Once matched with a family, you will be sent the families wish-list that will include gift ideas and clothing sizes for each person. All gifts should be purchased new unless the family is willing to accept gently used items.

How much money should I spend per family member?

We ask that sponsors spend at least $100 per person (e.g. about $400 for a family of 4). This ensures that families receive quality gifts and that the value is distributed as evenly as possible between all.

How does the family receive their gifts?

All families will have the option for anonymous gift pick-up from Village Hall or in-person pick-up, where gifts would be delivered directly by their sponsor family.  Once your shopping has been completed, please contact Megan Applegate at Village Hall (815-462-6427) to arrange a drop-off day/time.  All items will need to be dropped off to Village Hall (1 Veterans Parkway) and the family will then be notified so they know their gifts are ready for pick-up.

Should gifts be wrapped and labeled?

Your sponsored family will choose whether or not they would like gifts wrapped or not, as occasionally, parents enjoy the opportunity to take care of that in order to share in the joy of the holidays with their children.  If your family would like their gifts wrapped, please still do label each gift with the name of the family member who it should go to. 

If your family chooses to wrap themselves, please place gifts in separate bags, each labeled with the name of the person it should be gifted to.  If you are able, please include a roll or two of wrapping paper with your gits.

Interested in sponsoring a family this holiday season? 

SPONSORSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 3

Adopt-A-Family Sponsorship Application (Link)

To apply to be a sponsored family/individual, follow link below to fill out an application:

SUPPORT APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 20

Adopt-A-Family Family Support Application (Link)

Please contact Megan Applegate with any questions at:

(815) 462-6427 or mapplegate@newlenox.net