Eyeing All Elves: Adopt-a-Family Program Needs Help

In preparation for Christmas this year, many of Santa’s elves are taking the form of principals, school nurses and counselors. Their job? Recognizing families that could use a little help during the holidays.

“Each school has someone responsible for identifying families in need,” said Kim Chevallier, chair of the Poway Unified School District’s Adopt-a-Family program, through the Palomar PTA. “Elementary school is pretty easy. Elementary kids are not embarrassed to say they’re hungry.”

Despite the challenges of spotting disadvantaged middle and high school students, about 500 families were identified last year. Chevallier says this year’s list is just as long.

“Each family is given a full set of clothing for every child, including shoes, and a grocery gift card,” she said. “That is the basics for every family.”

Once the essentials are in order, fun gifts―like Barbie dolls and toy trucks―are also arranged.

“Teens are the ones who are usually shorted, so that’s another area where donations would be wonderful,” said Chevallier, recommending gift cards for movie theaters, Jamba Juice or Jack in the Box.

Anonymous wish lists are available for each family, though Chevallier says now it’s mostly about “filling in the gaps.” Grocery, Walmart and Target gift cards are always helpful, and can be dropped off with a school’s PTA unit.

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