25 Days Of Volunteering — Day 3: Adopt a Family for the Holidays

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — 'Tis the season for giving back to your community. There are a number of ways that you and your family can help others through the holidays.

Every day through Christmas, Patch will be highlighting a way you can provide compassion and resources to those in need.

Volunteer New York! makes it easy to find ways to help — through donations, supporting nonprofits and even volunteering from home.

Today’s opportunity is the Friends of Karen 2024 Adopt a Family for the Holidays.

Every child looks forward to the holidays, but for parents who are struggling to care for a child battling cancer or another life-threatening illness, there's no time for shopping or even thinking about gifts. Volunteers can make sure local children have an opportunity to celebrate the holidays by taking part in the Holiday Adopt-A-Family Program.

This year, there are nearly 900 children whose holiday wish lists need to be filled. Volunteers who "Adopt a Family" are matched with a child or children who is facing an illness and are sent their wish lists (valued at $100). Friends of Karen will then pack the items and ship them to the child's family to wrap before the holidays. Friends of Karen tries to include gift-wrapping materials, but donations of gift wrap, tape, bows, and holiday candy are always welcome!

Not a fan of shopping? Volunteers can also choose to donate a gift card of $50 or more to ShopRite, Shop & Shop, Target, Walmart, Visa, or MasterCard to help a family with their holiday meal.

This is a perfect opportunity for families and groups looking to make a difference in the life of an ill child and their families for the holiday season. Express interest here.

Check out all the volunteer opportunities around the Hudson Valley by visiting the Holiday Volunteering web page.

@volunteerNYnow.