Nefertiti Allen’s home was especially full during the holidays this year.
“I got three girls and my boy, but occasionally I will take on my nieces and nephews or my little cousin,” Nefertiti said. “This holiday they were all in the house with me, so that was a strain.”
Like many kinship caregivers, Nefertiti stepped in when young relatives needed stability. At the same time, she was juggling job interviews and stretching income from occasional work to cover bills and holiday expenses. When the resident support manager in her Roll Hill neighborhood told her about United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s Adopt-A-Family program, Nefertiti admits she was unsure.
“At first I thought I don’t think I fit the criteria because you get turned down so much with organizations that do help with holidays,” she said. “But then you get the help that you need to get the pressure off your back. And when it did follow through, that is a blessing.”
This year, that blessing reached further than ever before.
Now in its fifth year, Adopt-A-Family exceeded its goal of serving 150 families, ultimately supporting 188 families — nearly 850 individuals — thanks to more than 160 volunteer shoppers and our presenting sponsor, Kao. United Way coordinated with 18 faith-based and community partners to identify and refer families in need.
Many of those families, like Nefertiti’s, are kinship care households, where relatives temporarily care for children while parents navigate difficult circumstances. The arrangement allows parents to focus on stabilizing their situation, knowing their children are safe and supported.
For Nefertiti, the timing could not have been better.
“When I did sign up, it did help a lot.”
Nefertiti’s household started opening a few gifts a day in the lead-up to Christmas, building anticipation. Nail kits provided by donors led to at-home manicures for sisters and cousins. Art supplies inspired paintings the whole family could enjoy. A Spider-Man car became her son’s instant favorite.
“The Adopt-A-Family really did help out because with my nieces, being in the situation they were in, they didn’t even think they would get something,” Nefertiti said. “So when I was able to, it really lifted them.”
Across the region, volunteers shopped from personalized wish lists and dropped off gifts at United Way, where partner agencies retrieved them for distribution in time for the holidays.
For Nefertiti, the experience also restored trust.
“Because with today’s society, there’s so many scams … so it felt wonderful to have an organization that said, ‘okay, we’re going to help and actually pull through on the deadline’.”
Moira Weir, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Cincinnati, said the Adopt-A-Family program’s growth reflects the kindness of people across the area.
“The heart of our community really shines through during the holidays,” Weir said. “This generosity helps create meaningful moments for children and a little peace of mind for parents.”
For Nefertiti’s family — and 187 others in the area — that support meant more than presents under a tree. It meant relief, reassurance and a reminder they are not alone.
