Help Make the Holidays Brighter for Wheeling Township Families

The holidays are meant to be a time of warmth, celebration and togetherness, but for families facing financial challenges, the added cost of a holiday meal and gifts can create additional stress. This holiday season, Wheeling Township is continuing its annual tradition of giving with two programs designed to help local families experience the joy of the season: the Thanksgiving Basket Program and the Adopt-A-Family Program.

Through these programs, families in need can receive assistance with a traditional Thanksgiving meal and holiday gifts, while residents, businesses and community organizations have an opportunity to make a meaningful difference for their neighbors.

“For our local families experiencing financial challenges, the extra costs associated with holiday meals and gifts can add to the stress they are already facing,” said Wheeling Township Supervisor Maria Zeller Brauer. “These programs are a wonderful way for our community to come together and ensure that our neighbors don’t have to go without during the holiday season.”

Thanksgiving Basket Program: This program provides families with a traditional holiday meal, complete with all the fixings. Donors who participate will be asked to provide a basket of non-perishable food items, along with a $25 grocery store gift card to purchase meat for the meal. Donors can indicate how many baskets they would like to provide and, after registering, will receive a shopping list with the requested items.

Adopt-A-Family Program: This program helps bring holiday wishes to life by providing gifts for parents and children. Donors are asked to spend approximately $100 per family member. Each child's wish list will include three clothing items and three toys. Each parent will also have one wish, which may be for themselves or for a household item. Donors should indicate how many family members they would like to adopt, and after registering, will receive the family's wish list along with additional instructions.

For Families Who Need Assistance: Families experiencing financial challenges who are concerned about being able to afford holiday meals or gifts can qualify to participate as recipients in one or both programs. Proof of Wheeling Township residency and household income information is required. Families are encouraged to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to determine eligibility. To schedule an appointment, call 847-259-7730, or email GA@wheelingtownship.com.

For Those Who Want to Give Back: Residents, businesses and community organizations can help make the holidays brighter for local families by becoming a donor to the Thanksgiving Basket Program, Adopt-A-Family Program, or both.

The registration deadline for donors is Monday, November 2. To register, email GA@wheelingtownship.com with your name, address, telephone number and which program you would like to support. Donors may also complete the online registration form at wheelingtownship.com. Whether providing a Thanksgiving meal, fulfilling a child's holiday wish or helping a parent feel remembered, every contribution can make a difference.

Wheeling Township encourages families who need assistance to reach out and determine their eligibility, and invites residents, businesses and community organizations to give back this holiday season. Together, we can help make sure more of our neighbors experience the warmth, dignity and joy of the holiday season.