SOUTH DEERFIELD — Donations to Adopt-A-Family of Franklin County surpassed expectations through an “abundance” of generosity from sponsors of local families in need.
“Unbelievable. We’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of gift cards we’ve received,” said Mary Stokarski, who was voluntarily tallying gift amounts during the organization’s collection event Thursday at Holy Family Catholic Church on Sugarloaf Street.
In front of her, mountains of boxes filled with donated toys and everyday items filled the church’s auditorium — which will be distributed to 215 needy families throughout the day Friday. A few side rooms were opened up to hold the overflow.
Annually, Adopt-A-Family of Franklin County matches sponsors with needy families selected by various agencies. Sponsors purchase gifts based on wish lists created by the families.
“Financial donations were abundant. We were blessed,” said the nonprofit charity’s organizer, Sunderland resident Libby Kolasinski, noting that the gift cards will be for fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as nonperishable food items.
As of late last month, the charity had 30 families that hadn’t been sponsored yet; however, Volunteer Cindy Corey said the community came together, and “a lot of people responded at the last minute.” Ultimately, all families were sponsored.
“We ask specific things of them, and they follow through,” Kolasinski said about volunteers and sponsors. “It’s been like that for years and years and years. We can’t thank them enough for being so generous.”
“Each year it just seems to get better and better. The whole thing works somehow,” she added. “Families can get up in the morning and enjoy Christmas, with help from some very generous people.”
Volunteers help out at Adopt-A-Family of Franklin County’s collection day Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. #AdoptAFamily #Give @TheRecorderNews pic.twitter.com/3L4wzpI8Rr
— Andy Castillo (@AndyCCastillo) December 15, 2016