Adopt-A-Family with Activistas: Join Us 12.16.07

Details at long last.  We are really excited about this!  I, for one, have wanted to "adopt" a family at the holidays for years, and finally just decided that 2007 was the year.  I have always participated in a holiday "store" through work, but this is different.  For me, this is a more personal connection to a very real local mama who needs a little help making the holidays great for her three kids.  Read on, mamas, and join us on the 16th.  It'll be fun to connect, chat, and  - most importantly - share any extra that we might have.  If there are anough of us (my hope!), we can add another family.  How great would that be?

Our Family: A single mama with three kids: 2 girls (6 & 7) and a 9-month old baby boy.

The Salvation Army's Adopt-A-Family Program - in case you're the type who needs info straight from the horse's mouth or, better yet, you want to adopt your own family this year!  They usually have more families than sponsors, so jump in.

You In?  Perfect.  We'll be at Urban Grind East from 3 to 5 on Sunday the 16th - bring the kids, natch.  R.S.V.P. & let us know what you'll bring in the comments section - but please but don't forget to read what others have already signed up for (we're updating the list to note what is already taken care of, too).  Once you commit you can un-commit (we know how that can be!), but PLEASE let us know in advance so we can fill in the gaps.  While our events are usually show-up-if-you-can style, this one is a little different by necessity.  Also, we need a sleigh: gifts must be delivered to The Salvation Army  on Tuesday, 12/18 - you free? 

Can't Make It?  Don't worry, you can still donate!  Let us know what you'll be bringing in the comments section and we'll let you know where our drop spot is.

To see what you can bring - for the table and under the tree, read on!

On the Table: Think holiday meal, mamas.  What are you serving?  The Salvation Army offers these guidelines.  We can of course do more (plus a gift certificate to Freddie's...), but must at least provide what's on this list: 

• 4 cans meat (2 tuna, 2 stew or chili)
• Gift certificate for holiday bird  - done (2, for total of $75)!
• 2 cans yams/sweet potatoes
• Milk (1 gallon of 2%)
• 8 cans of common vegetables - done!
• Peanut butter (2 lbs.) - done!
• 8 cans fruit
• Cheese (5 lb.)
• 4 large cans soup - done!
  
• Rice (2 lb.)
• 2 cans cranberry sauce - done!
  
• Pasta/dried beans (2 lb.) - done!
• 4 boxes macaroni and cheese - done!
• Bread/dinner rolls
• 2 boxes of hot/cold cereal - done!
• 1 box dry soup - done!
  
• Cocoa mix - done!
• 1 box powdered milk - done!
• Coffee and/or tea - done!
• Staples (flour, sugar, cooking oil, etc.) - oil, rice done!
• Festive tablecloth & decorations (optional but really nice)

Bring a little, bring a lot - whatever works for you.

Under the Tree - 2 new gifts per person:

Mom:  She does not have any sheets for her queen-sized bed, but does have a few blankets.  She would like a blender & pink towels.  She wouldn't really list anything for herself, despite lots of questions form the Salvation Army.  She said she just wanted her kids to be taken care of.  [Sounds like a Macy's gift card?  Bed Bath & Beyond?]  Sheets done - 2 sets! Pink towels - done!  $5 Starbucks card - done!  Blender - done!  $75 gift card to Bed, Bath & Beyond!

7-year old daughter: 1) V.smile hand-held electronic learning toy - done!, 2) Any type of Barbies or Bratz dolls, or 3) Gift certificate for clothes [thinking Old Navy?] - done!. $75 gift card to Old Navy!

6-year old daughter: Same things as her big sister! - 1 Bratz doll done! $75 gift card to Old Navy!

9-month old son:  Baby toys! They don't have much for him. - Done!  $75 gift card to Old Navy!

Wrapping: All gifts should be unwrapped. But!  It'd be great to provide Mom with wrapping paper, tape & bows.  Anyone?  Done!

Questions?  E-mail us or add a comment.  We really hope you'll join us in this Activistas holiday tradition.

Comments

[jj]

Do they need to be delivered on Tuesday 12/18 or Thursday 12/20? I can do it either day, no problem.

The only hitch would be that I don't think I can't make it to the event on Sunday, as that day is already jam packed with activities for us. So I don't know how the logistics of getting everything to me to drop off would work. But if no one else can deliver the goods, we'll sort something out! Just let me know.

And I definitely want to contribute. I'll get some stuff to Urban Grind somehow (I should be able to send Mac)

I'll take care of the queen size sheets (2 sets) and some baby toys!

[Jennifer]

Hi!

I cannot make it to the party ( daughter in Christmas ice show) but I can donate.

Where and when can I drop off?

Thanks.
~Jennifer

[Lisa]

I'll get the wrapping stuff (paper, tape, ribbons/bows).

[Lara]

I will bring:
8 cans veg
the peanut butter (2lbs)
4 boxes mac and cheese
2 lbs of pasta
coffee

I will also buy one bratz doll since Im not allowed to get that sort of stuff for my 7 year old niece.

[Rebekah]

Hi,
I emailed earlier this morning and probably should have posted too. I volunteered to get a sheet set as well. JJ, do you still want to bring two sets or maybe just one and I'll bring one? I went out this morning and bought a set already but can return if you did the same! Please let me know. Also, I will bring some tea, a box of hot cereal, a bag of flour and a bag of sugar.

[Chrissy]

I just finished reading about your mom and little ones who need things for Christmas. I would like to donate a gift card to Fred Meyer's for $35.00 and a $5.00 gift card to Starbucks for Mama's stocking. The Mama can use this money to buy ham or turkey or whatever they need. Unfortunately, I can't make it the Urban Grind on Sunday. Is it possible for me to mail the gift card to y'all.

Thank so much for doing this. I am really happy and excited to help.

[Lisa]

For those mailing gift cards - and feel free - pls send to : Activistas, 130 SE 61st Avenue, Pdx 97215. Also, once all is said and done, we will report out what we rec'd, how it went, etc... As this is all happening, I am reminded that all of my opportunities like this have come through my office, and for those without an office to go to - whatever kind of work you do at home! - this can fill that spot. Yippee! Also, perhaps mama wouldn't mind 2 sets of sheets?? One for when the other is in the laundry? Your call. You guys are G-R-E-A-T!!

[andrea]

Count me in for a $40 Fred Meyer gift card. Maybe the person doing the drop off could get the milk and cheese since we have to provide them?

[laurie]

This is a wonderful idea. I will bring: cocoa, a box of milk, oil, rice, and pink towels.

[jj]

Rebekah, I'll just get one set of sheets then, no problem (Because, yes, having two sets is pretty crucial!) And I'll get some pink towels too then.

[jj]

Ack, never mind about the pink towels. Didn't see Laurie's post! OK, just a set of sheets and some baby toys, then!

[Hau]

Count me in for a blender!

[Lara]

Its not on the list but I will also include some baby food for the little guy. Also...we are out of town on the sunday but Im pretty sure we will be back in time to make the drop at Urban Grind. But just in case where and when is the alternative drop off point??

[Lisa]

Alt drop is front porch at 130 SE 61st Ave (bet E Burnside & Stark. Thanks!!!

[shetha]

I will personally get the remaining food bits and some barbie things for the older girl (I don't know if I even know how to buy bratz?).

Also, as (quasi) treasurer of uM, I will be bringing a $75 gift card for each family member, the kids' will be at Old Navy and the Mama's will be at Bed, Bath and Beyond.

See you Sunday!

[shetha]

PS - would it be too messy to have the kids decorate Christmas cards for the family members at urban grind while we're there?

[Kristin]

I will do a $25 gift card to Macy's. If I don't make it on Sunday (I think I can) I will drop it off...

[jj]

It wasn't on the list, but I picked up some craft/art supplies for the girls in addition to the baby toys and sheets. I'll probably drop everything at the alt address tomorrow!

[Sara]

I will come on Sunday, with my daughter, and we will bring:
-2 cans cranberry sauce
-4 cans of soup
-1 box of dry soup
-2 boxes of cereal
-a few miscellaneous food items

I wish I could bring more, but our budget is severely constrained. Though reading a wish list that is limited to essential linens reminds me that even while I may feel poor, I am fortunate enough to be limiting only my budget for extras.

Thank you very much for setting this up!

[Lisa]

The holiday cards sound fun for a kid activity. Andrea??? Leftover supplies??

[abby]

Well, after three Targets and a Walmart, I finally have the v.smile in hand. Seems to be a hot item this year. I also got two girly games (disney princess for 4-6 and 6-8, I can't remember which princesses) for the v.smile, a power adapter and some extra batteries.

I will come for at least a second on Sunday, but sadly can't stay long.
Thanks for making this happen!

[mk]

i mailed an old navy gift card to the drop off address today.

[Lisa]

Great, mk, we'll keep an eye out for it and be sure the family gets it. Thanks!

[Lisa]

MK, We got it and mailed it to the Salvation Army today to pass along to the family. Thanks!!!