SF Adopt A Family Event Spreads Holiday Cheer

The following was sent in to Patch by Phil Ellingsworth Jr., representing the Spring-Ford Area School District:

ROYERSFORD — The Interact Club and Spring-Ford Education Association are teaming up with the Rotary Club of Spring-Ford Area to help make the holidays a little brighter for district families who have fallen on tough times by hosting their annual Adopt a Family Luncheon and Gift Wrapping event on Dec. 14.

The program kicks off at 12 p.m. in the cafeteria annex, where the community service organizations and district employees will enjoy lunch together, while they gift wrap approximately 400 presents that will be given to more than 40 families — including 200 children — living inside the Spring-Ford community.

Spring-Ford 10-12 Grade Center Principal Patrick J. Nugent said the more than decade-long event started as a way to help those who were experiencing financial difficulties and needed some additional aid.

District school counselors gather the names of the students and their families needing assistance, what they want for the holidays, their clothing sizes and more. After the counselors receive that information, the Rotary Club shops for the individuals to fulfill their holiday wish lists. Once the items are wrapped, Spring-Ford school counselors distribute the presents to the families in time for the holidays.

“This truly is a great program that demonstrates the willingness of our students, teachers and community to help those in need,” he said. “The best part of the program is all proceeds stay at home in our community.”

The Spring-Ford Ninth-Grade Center is located at 400 S. Lewis Road in Royersford.