Christmas morning can be especially sad for children when their families are unable to buy then a gift. The Douglas/Elbert Task Force Adopt-A-Family program helps by organizing adopters for families in these two counties. Individuals, businesses and groups willing to share the joy of the holidays are urged adopt a local family going through hard times.

Last year 166 families were adopted by 121 adopters. This year over 200 families are expected to receive holiday help and the Task Force is desperately looking for more adopters.

Who are our needy?

There are those who lost their jobs because of the mortgage crisis and now can't pay their own mortgage or rent. There are many more on the verge of losing their homes. There's an extended family that lost their home to a fire this summer.

There's a single mother who received burns over most of her body and whose mother is now working to support her and her children. Others were laid off and are having a hard time finding a new job yet they are doing all they can to keep the family home, the car and food on the table ...until that job offer comes.

Many have degrees and skills but lost their jobs as so many have this year. Yes they're skilled but sometimes "skilled" equates to "over qualified" and they aren't finding work. They're trying. They don't like coming to the Task Force for food every month. Certainly they'd prefer to be working.

Some people make bad choices because they don't know better. They rent a home or apartment beyond their means while their children go to school hungry and often have one meal a day on the weekends. Think of the children. Or, it may be a two-adult family of four with one working adult and still unable to pay their current utility bill.

Or, an elderly neighbor whose monthly Social Security allotment won't provide enough to cover food for her adult son who is now living with her. Whatever their story Christmas will be harder this year. They are our neighbors and we hope you will assist us in helping them.

To adopt a family, call the Task Force at 303-688-1114 and ask to fill out an adopter application over the phone. We will provide the best match for your request (size of family, location) and mail you information on a family with simple guidelines. Don't wait. Call today the holidays are just around the corner and we are in need of more adopters.

For those who may be going away for the holidays consider a cash donation to the Task Force Holiday Fund, donations of gift cards or donations of toys to the Holiday room for families who may not get adopted. Whatever your inclination we will be grateful.

The Douglas/Elbert Task Force operates a Thrift Store and Food Bank and provides emergency assistance to those in need with rent, utilities, food, clothing and household items.

Submitted by Nani Lindig, Adopt-A-Family Coordinator for the Douglas/Elbert Task Force. Call 303-688-1114 for information.