SOUTH DEERFIELD — The holiday traditions of giving gifts and holding big family meals come with hefty expenses for families, and Adopt-A-Family of Franklin County is seeking donors to soften the budget blow for local families in need.
“There’s always people that need help,” Adopt-A-Family Coordinator Libby Kolasinski said.
Since 1981, the program has connected those wanting to give back around the holidays with families seeking help to put food on the table and presents under the tree. After donors reach out to Kolasinski to request wish lists from registered families and drop off their donations at the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, around 45 volunteers will distribute the gifts, food and gift cards to local families on Dec. 19.
When asked the key to the program’s consistency over the years, Kolasinski said simply, “The number of people that truly feel that this is what needs to be done for people,” referring to the donors and volunteers.
This year, the program is seeking donations for more than 150 families, with about 30 still in need of sponsors.
“People will ask me, ‘Well, how much food do I give or how much money do I give in a gift card?’ And I always say, ‘Whatever you can give, as much as you can give,” Kolasinski said.
Those who are interested in donating food, gift cards, toys and other gifts must first reach out to Kolasinski at 413-665-7031 or libbykol@comcast.net. Adopt-A-Family also accepts monetary donations as checks made out to Adopt-A-Family of Franklin County, which can be mailed to Libby Kolasinski, 140 Russell St., Sunderland, MA 01375.
