Adopt-a-Family extends deadline, narrows criteria

By Kendra Simpson

For over four decades, the AFL-CIO has helped disadvantaged families in the region with the Adopt-a-Family program, but because of its past success, the program now has new guidelines to qualify for assistance.

The Adopt-a-Family program started in 1983 when radio DJs got tired of the Cabbage Patch Kid craze. Rather than “adopting” a toy, they challenged their listeners to reach out to United Way and adopt a family to help celebrate the holidays, and reach out they did.

“People called the United Way, and the United Way said ‘Here, we’re going to let you talk to your our call center’ and that was us,” AFL-CIO Executive Director Nichi Seckinger said. “It was something that just happened organically and you know a real need exists when something just becomes on its own. It’s not something that someone’s looking to do, it’s just something that the need is there and people just start filling it.”

Ever since, the AFL-CIO has helped disadvantaged families in the region with the Adopt-a-Family program. But because of its past success, this year the program has new guidelines to qualify.

“It’s not that we’re, you know, trying to eliminate someone or leave someone out,” Seckinger said. “What has happened is just we constantly increase in applications and every year it seems to be going up. And since the program was made for kids … we knew we really needed to narrow that field.

To receive help from the Adopt-a-Family program, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria: There is a child under the age of 18 in the household, someone in the home is actively receiving disability or social security benefits or someone in the home is older than 63. But, like always, there are no requirements to adopt a family, and the need is ever-growing.

“You only have to do it once. After you’ve done it one time, you’ll do it 100 times,” Seckinger said. “It’s more than worth it to do it when you know that you can lighten that load, even if it’s just for that little bit of time … Compassion is a funny thing because it makes you want to do it more.”

The program accepts gifts of all varieties, but usually lacks in presents designated for pre-teens and teenagers. The AFL-CIO is hoping to receive more items such as videogames, air-pods, makeup kits and fashion products to ensure kids of all ages receive a useful gift.

Applications will be available for families and individuals who need help beginning Oct. 28 through Dec. 6. All applications must be returned no later than 5 p.m. Dec. 9. To apply to be an adopted family, or help out by being an adoptee, visit the AFL-CIO website at https://www.helpmenow.org/adopt-a-family or pick up an application at the nonprofit’s headquarters located at 1203 N. 6th St.