Adopted Families

The Adopt-a-family program is coordinated by the Voluntary Action Center to match needy families with sponsors who can give. Unlike similar projects, no proof of poverty is required, only the willingness to sign up in person along with everyone else in the program.

The VAC began the Adopt-a-family program in 1985 and MULSA was there. It was my first Christmas at the MU Libraries and I can't say I remember many details. I made a candy cane horse head for each family member. As I was isolated in SPEC at the time, I only saw the haul once as I slipped my small package in but it was impressive.

Oleta Edwards spearheaded our efforts in 1985 and continued to coordinate these collections until her retirement. In the late 90's, Oleta asked me to help her and to be the point person after her.

Ruthe

2007

This year we are sponsoring two families: Tina and her children (Larry, Andrea, Adrian, Vernice and Lamar); and Shiquila and her children (Travis, Deontral and Briauna). See the Adopted Families List for specific donations needed. Our delivery date is December 11th, which means we need your donations here by Dec. 5th so that we can do any extra shopping and wrap it all on Dec. 7th.

The VAC discourages the adults in a family from asking for personal items, so there's nothing next to their names. However, I called the VAC and requested sizes for the mothers and eldest son. They have not been able to reach Shiquila yet, but Tina and Larry's sizes are listed.