Adopt-a-Family, in 15th year, works for Hurricane Sandy victims

Those looking for new avenues to help provide relief to the families who suffer as a result of Hurricane Sandy’s devastation can take part in Rockville Centre’s annual Adopt-a-Family program.

The program, now in it’s 15th year, asks concerned residents to purchase gifts for their “adopted” family. The gifts would have to be delivered to the Adopt-a-Family program by Dec. 18. Residents can also give cash donations, which are in turn used to purchase gifts for a particular family, and the leaders of the program do the shopping. The financial contributions can be made in memory of a loved one and can also be used toward providing holiday dinners for the families, which will be delievered to them at noon on Christmas Eve.

According to Mary Testa, a program organizer along with Maureen Remy, the program also seeks volunteers to help deliver the food at Christmas Eve.

“By taking away the financial burden of the holidays, we are allowing them to concentrate on improving their situations,” said Testa. “There is always a need for your help, and we depend on people like yourselves, who care about making a difference in as many families’ lives as we can.”

The families that receive the gifts are chosen by a number of village organizations, including the mayor’s office, the Equal Opportunity Center, the Hispanic Brotherhood, St. Agnes Outreach and the Rockville Centre Housing Authority.

“If you happen to be hosting a holiday party, maybe ask your guests to come with a wrapped gift in lieu of hostess gifts,” Testa said. “Or for people who work in an office where you and your coworkers are looking to spread some holiday cheer, you could see if people want to donate wrapped gifts.”

Those interested in learning more about the Adopt-a-Family program can call Maureen Remy at 764-6938 or Mary Testa at 678-0638.