Christmas Bureau is Running Out of Time!
We still have hundreds of households who need an angel and only a week left to match them with someone who cares.
Can you spend just a little time and money to make someone’s Christmas brighter? Maybe you know what it feels like to go without at Christmas. Maybe you have always been blessed with happy holidays. No matter what your experience, you can start your own holiday tradition by helping a neighbor in need through the Christmas Bureau. United Way would love to match your family, social group, office mates, civic group or religious group with someone who needs a little help this Christmas, but time is running out!
Thank you to everyone who has already adopted! If that includes you, would you consider forwarding this email to three of your friends who you think would make great holiday heroes?
To adopt, simply fill out the easy form on our website: unitedwaytopeka.org/work/cb/adopt/ We’ll contact you with a match and the rest is up to you! (Can’t do the online form? Call us at 785.228.5120 and we’ll set you up.) You contact your adoptee by phone and make arrangements to deliver food and gifts. That phone call is a great time to ask for any additional suggestions or clarify any wish list requests as well as what kind of Christmas dinner they would like (we don’t all have the same food traditions—maybe you’ll find a new one to try!)
If delivering just isn’t possible for you, you can still provide the monetary support for someone and our volunteers will make the shopping and delivery magic happen. Drop your donation with us from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday (checks payable to United Way of Greater Topeka with Christmas Bureau in the memo line). Even easier, donate securely online through the link at the top of this message. If you have the time but not the money this year, ask us about being a shopping elf!
We especially need adopters for Spanish-speaking households, single adults and seniors. Adopting a single person takes about $70. The table below shows the amounts for larger families.
Here are just some of the people you can help this year. Please adopt now!
Roberta is a grandmother living with four grandkids from 7 weeks old to age 12 and their mother. They would love to have simple things like towels and socks, some toys for the kids and some warm clothes for the newborn.
Demetria is a single mother looking to make Christmas bright for her 7-year-old son. They just moved and money is tight. She could use cleaning and cooking supplies and says her son would love Lego Minecraft or any other toys.
This year has been very tough for Blanca’s family as their newest member was born with a heart problem and has been at Children's Mercy. Dad hasn't been working because he's been with the baby. They say it would be a blessing if they were to get adopted.
Gloria’s family of five is hoping for boots and winter clothing. Their family would be perfect for someone who speaks Spanish.
Chelsea is a 27-year-old single mom caring for her disabled son. They are just looking for some new clothes and pajamas.
Joyce is a single 73-year-old senior who would love some new towels or bed linens and some pretty handkerchiefs.
Estaquia is a single mom who works nights and just wants her four daughters, ages 2-14, to have a happy Christmas. Toys, books and bed linens are on their wish list.
James is a single disabled senior who would like some of the simple things like kitchen or bath towels, sheets or cleaning supplies.
Brian is 35 and disabled and could use a new coffee pot, a can opener, body wash and towels and maybe some ear muffs.
Ronnie just turned 63 and is working to find a new job this Christmas. He would appreciate some new jeans and a coat.
Maria’s family of five is only asking for shirts, pants and shoes.
Avacelli’s husband has been ill, preventing him from working, and they are hoping someone will help them brighten Christmas for their four children, including their two teenagers.
Judy is a single senior who goes to dialysis three times a week. She could use a blanket and a sweater and maybe some tickets for the Lift to help her get to her appointments.
Caty is a single mom taking care of her disabled daughter and three other siblings. Caty needs some kitchen items and maybe a jacket and the kids are hoping for some traditional Christmas goodies like craft supplies, a skate board or a bicycle.
Geneva is 46 and doesn’t have any family nearby. She is working temporary jobs while she looks for a permanent position. She would love to have some cleaning supplies for her new apartment.
Jackie is 48 and takes care of her developmentally and physically delayed brother since their mother passed away. She and her partner and are also raising her niece and nephew. They would appreciate any help during the holiday season.
Joyce is single and is just hoping for that Christmas angel to bring her a turkey dinner and only asked for one gift—an electric razor.
Leroy is 81 and just wants a ham dinner, a queen blanket and maybe a gift card this Christmas.
Jean S. is disabled and is asking for twin sheets, socks and slippers.