YWCA Adopt-a-Family Program

Adopt-a-Family fulfills the holiday wishes of families served by the YWCA National Capital Area. Every year the YWCA partners with area businesses and individuals to fulfill the holiday wishes of families served by the YWCA. This program is extremely special to us because it serves YWCA families who are most in need and in an immediate, tangible way.

As the holiday season approaches, we turn to our community partners to help us help a family’s holiday wishes come true.

Some of the YWCA families in this program can’t afford warm winter coats, pots and pans, let alone video games and the newest "Dora the Explorer" accessories for their kids.

That’s where our community partners step in. You should see the YWCA office around mid-December. We are inundated with bags and bags of gifts from our Adopt-a-Family sponsors. Many of our families are brought to tears when they see the mountain of presents with their names on them. Below are some of their stories.

One woman at our Children’s Center said she never thought she would have a television in her own home. In fact, she didn’t even request it, we had to add it to her wish list along with other household basics she didn’t own including a bed, coffee table and toys for her daughter all which were generously donated by an Adopt-a-Family sponsor.
Another woman ran up and gushed about how her children were receiving new beds for Christmas from her Adopt-a-Family sponsor. She kept saying, “I don’t know what I’ve done to be so blessed.”
One entire family was home, sick with the flu for a week. Their Adopt-a-Family sponsor drove out to their home, in person, and delivered their gifts so they could have them in time for Christmas day. They still can’t get over the sponsor's selflessness and are grateful there are people who are so giving.

• As a full-time YWCA Practical Nursing student, another mother had to explain to her children that they would not receive toys or clothes for Christmas because she could not afford them. Her children believed it was a miracle when they received a bag of gifts from Santa on Christmas morning.

Families in Washington DC are in need of basic items all year round but the holiday season is especially difficult because it is a festive time of year. If you or your organization is interested in sponsoring a family or single mother, please complete the online form or call (202) 626-0700 ext 28.

Thank You To Our Adopt-a-Family Sponsors:

2005
2006
2007