St. Louis County Government:

Press release from the St. Louis County Government:

December 15, 2021

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO (December 15, 2021) - County Executive Dr. Sam Page and Human Services Director Howard Hayes on Wednesday helped hand out gifts to St. Louis County families for this year's Adopt a Family Program .

The program runs during the holiday season and helps families who would not otherwise be able to provide gifts for their children and loved ones. In addition to clothes, toys, food and household items, some families had their utility bills paid.

“For the past three decades, hundreds of St. Louis County government employees in various department have taken the lead to make the holiday season a bit brighter, helping more than 4,100 families," Dr. Page said. "We know that every year there are families struggling. That's why a program like this is so important and a priority for Human Services."

This year, 116 families were adopted by 74 adopters that include County employees, businesses, faith based groups, and private citizens.

“The pandemic has been hard on everyone especially for our families in need of support," Hayes said. "The work we do remains important today, tomorrow and in the future. We were able to bring some joy and additional happiness to some families who are having an especially difficult year."

The Department of Human Services coordinates the Adopt a Family program and is the social services arm of St. Louis County government. The department oversees programs for the unhoused, veterans, older adults and youth . It also manages workforce development programs and the Weinman Shelter, a domestic violence program for women and their children.

This press release was produced by the St. Louis County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.