Share The Warmth

The following are some families locals can adopt this year through Share Our Selves’ 40th Annual Adopt A Family program.

To participate, donors are asked to provide each child in the family with at least two new gifts, or provide a family with a complete holiday dinner; ideally, donors would provide both.

To adopt a family, note the family’s number and call to say which family you would like to adopt. Also download a form at shareourselves.org and e-mail it to AAF2009@shareourselves.org, or fax it to (949) 515-5804. Forms should be sent in by Friday.

Monetary donations also are accepted; 100% of the funds raised go toward gifts for children.

For more information, contact Vanessa Ontiveros at (949) 515-5400, ext. 39, or e-mail AAF2009@shareourselves.org. The Adopt A Family program can be reached at (949) 515-5400, ext. 39.

FAMILY No. 270

Dad is a hard worker working in landscaping. Mom stays home to care for the children who are special education students. Dad was just laid off and is looking for work. The family needs help with warm clothing and extra food. Gift cards would be especially helpful. Thank you for your support.

Father: Would like gifts for the children. A grocery store gift card would be great.

Mother: Would like gifts for her children. A gift card to Target, Walmart or Stater Bros. would be appreciated.

Child, 3, male: Tonka trucks, cars

Child, 18 months, female: Car seat, clothing, toys

FAMILY No. 61

This is a single mother providing for her children the best she can. The father passed away a few months ago, after battling cancer for several years. Food or gift cards would be truly appreciated. They are also in need of warm winter clothing.

Mother: Food and clothing.

Child, 15, female: Shoes, clothing, and food

Child, 8, female: Clothing, shoes, bicycle and food

Child, 6, female: Shoes, clothing or a bicycle

FAMILY No. 625

This is a family that has experienced some really tragic events. The father received a severe blow to the head and remains in a coma. He is unable to speak, eat, etc. Mom is trying to hold the family together, but the holidays will be very difficult.

A gift for the kids, and a gift card for warm clothing would definitely bring some cheer to their lives and they would be so grateful. Your help is much appreciated.

Mother: clothes

Child, 15, female: CD/radio player

Child, 13, male: fantasy jewelry

Child, 8, male: Gameboy

FAMILY No. 699

This single mom works part-time a few days a week at a factory. This is an extremely low-income family that is forced to rent a single room. Stresses like this take the biggest toll on the children who could use a new toy to make Christmas bright. Your generosity will spread past the holidays as you give hope to this family now, when it needs it most.

Mother: Winter clothing, jackets, socks, shoes, towels, toiletries, movie tickets for the family

Child, 10, female: School uniforms, school supplies, backpack, winter jackets, shoes, Barbies, jewelry-making kits, hair accessories

Child, 4, male: Winter clothing, socks, shoes, toy cars, toddler toys

FAMILY No. 77

The family is struggling financially. Mom has had multiple surgeries which have resulted in great hardships. Consider warm jackets and sweaters as a gift. A toy and some food will bring smiles to the faces of all. Thank you for your support.

Father: Food and clothing

Mother: Food and warm clothes

Child, 16, male: Clothes, shoes, food

Child, 14, male: Clothes, shoes, food

Child, 7, female: Toys (doll house), food, clothes

FAMILY No. 1052

This is a single mother working hard to provide for the family. They live in a small motor home, and can barely make ends meet. They are asking for the basics this winter. Warm clothes, school supplies and perhaps a small toy or two. Extra food would be appreciated. Thanks for your generosity.

Mother: Clothes

Child, 13, female: School supplies, pens, colored pencils, markers

Child, 10, male: Boxers, school supplies

Child, 8, male: Toy cars