United Way’s Adopt-A-Family program grows to support even more families

More than 100 donors provided gifts to 143 families in Greater Cincinnati.

CINCINNATI (Jan. 22, 2025) — The holidays were a bit brighter for almost 700 people who received gifts through United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s Adopt-A-Family program. 

Now in its fourth year, Adopt-A-Family benefited more than 140 families, exceeding this year’s goal of bringing joy to 100 families. Many are kinship care families, in which children are temporarily cared for by relatives or family friends with close ties to a parent facing difficult circumstances. The arrangement lets parents focus on their situation, knowing their children are safe and well cared for. 

“I’m so impressed by the generosity that’s fueled Adopt-A-Family’s growth the last few years,” said Moira Weir, President and CEO of UWGC. “We all have a stake in the well-being of our community, so it’s really special to see neighbors embrace this idea of collective action and shared prosperity, especially during the holidays.” 

How it Works 

In response to growing interest from donors, UWGC was able to expand Adopt-A-Family’s reach in 2024. We coordinated with 15 faith-based and community partners who identified and referred the recipient families. Then, we provided personalized shopping lists to generous families, individuals and corporate groups who delivered the gifts to United Way. Partner groups picked up the gifts and distributed them to families. For the second year in a row, additional families were identified and selected through a partnership with the local AFL-CIO. 

“It was such a relief” 

Adopt-A-Family brightened what would have been a bleak holiday season for a Walton, Ky., family. “We had a very hard year,” said Brigitte, who, with her husband, Shane, shares a home with their six children and Brigitte’s stepfather. Within three months in 2024, both Brigitte and Shane lost their jobs. “With such a large family, we had next to no savings to fall back on,” Brigitte said. “I was so worried about the kids feeling the struggle at Christmas. It was such a relief knowing that was one less thing I had to lose sleep over.” 

Her heartfelt message to Adopt-A-Family volunteers: “You have no idea how much this means to the families you help.” 

Learn More 

United Way was thrilled to collaborate with new Adopt-A-Family donors this past holiday season, including a group of students from Withrow University High School. Read about what inspired them to raise money and shop for a local family at uwgc.org/stories

Adopt-A-Family is just one way United Way directly supports families in our community throughout the year. To learn more about volunteer initiatives, visit uwgc.org/volunteer.

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF GREATER CINCINNATI

We empower everyone in our region to achieve economic well-being so our entire community can thrive – now and in the future. Founded in 1915, UWGC is one of the region’s largest nonprofit organizations. It is committed to working alongside policymakers, community partners and donors to promote educational success, financial empowerment and housing security. Learn more about UWGC’s work across nine counties in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana at UWGC.org. #UnitedWeThrive

© 2024 United Way Greater Cincinnati. All rights reserved.

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