2010 Holiday Adopt-A-Family: Can you help?
Vita contacted us recently on helping to coordinate adopting a family this year. She has done all the legwork and now we need your help with donations. It is a tough year for many, but every little bit counts! If you'd like to donate, please mention what item(s) you would like to contribute and we will cross it off the list.
We are adopting a family through Family Assistance Foundation, is a stand alone 501(c)(3) organization, which is not affiliated with any religious organization, etc. The families are all nominated by organizations, such as housing authorities, Clackamas and Multnomah County Developmental Disabilities, Head Start, etc. They do not accept self-nominated families.
Head Start nominated this family of 4 and according to their case worker, they have "virtually nothing." The mother is not working, but is attending school part-time. Currently, the father is only working part-time. They are in need of household items and are appreciative of anything that they will receive.
*** Note: Second hand items in good condition are welcome. ***
Family Holiday Meal Grocery Gift Cards: approx. $50 more worth of grocery gift cards - Safeway is their nearest grocery store, but any would work. (Family Assistance Foundation asks that donors donate grocery gift cards for the family's holiday meal, in case they have some traditional food items that they serve at holiday meals.)
Note: Donated food items are also much appreciated in addition to the grocery gift cards. (Safeway giftcard - Mary ($20) Michele)
Family Wish List:
- Pots and pan set (DONE, Trina)
- silverware (DONE, Vita)
- queen sheet set (DONE, Jen and Aimee)
- towels (DONE, Sylvia and Melissa)
- desk/small table and chair for the 5 year old to do homework
Mother's Wish List (Name - Ana)
- watch (DONE, Kelly)
- purse (DONE, Mary)
- makeup (DONE, Joan)
- Coat size - L (DONE, Sharai)
- Pants size - 11 (DONE, Sharai)
- Shirt size - L (DONE, Sharai)
- Pajama size - L (DONE, Susie)
- Shoe size - 7
Father's Wish List (Name - Rick) -
- wallet (DONE, Kelly)
- belt
- knife set
- Coat size - XL
- Pant size - 36X30 (DONE, Jen and Heather)
- Jeans - 36X30
- Shirt size - XL (DONE, Jen)
- Pajama size - XL (DONE, Susie)
- Shoe size - 9 1/2
1st Child's Wish List (Name - Eric. Male. Age - 5) -
- games (in Spanish)
- games (in English)
- blocks (Done, Anna)
- cars (DONE, Trina and Vita)
- Coat size - 7 (DONE, Sylvia)
- Pant size - 7 (DONE, Rhonda)
- Shirt size - 7 (DONE, Rhonda)
- Pajama size - 7 (DONE, Susie)
- Shoe size - 13 1/2 (DONE, Sara)
2nd Child's Wish List (Name - Adrian. Male. Age - approx. 9 months)
- learning toys (Done, Anna)
- soft books (in Spanish)(DONE, Sharai)
- soft books (in English) (DONE, Sharai)
- Coat size - 12 months (DONE, Sylvia)
- Pants size - 12 months (DONE, Rhonda)
- Shirt size - 12 months (DONE, Rhonda)
- Shoe size - 5 1/2 (infant sizing) (DONE, Sara)
NEED HELP WITH TRANSPORTATION OF GIFTS:
I keep on forgetting to request help with transporting the gifts. I have a 4 door car, but won't have enough room to transport all of the gifts in it, especially with my daughter in the car with me. I also need someone to help transport gifts to the family on Thursday in SE Portland (around SE 82nd) sometime b/w the hours of 11:30-1:30.
Donation Gathering/Gift Wrapping Event: Urban Grind NE has generously donated after hours time in order for a drop off and/or gift wrap gathering. It is on Tues, Dec. 21st starting around 5 pm and ending around 6 pm. (urbanMamas will pick up the tab for pastries and refreshements.) Donated items can either be gift wrapped before drop off or during our gathering. We will provide gift wrapping supplies, but please bring extra supplies (gift bags, wrapping paper, ribbon, scissors, tape, etc.) if you are able.
If you are unable to drop off your gifts during this event, please contact me in order to arrange a drop off date/time at my house in close-in North Portland. I can accept donations until the 22nd. Tax donation forms will provided.
Contact: Vita - vintagemagenta@gmail.com
Please also let the family (and the Foundation) know about the Community Warehouse, which is a wonderful resource for household items for people in need. The link is http://communitywarehouse.org/
and if there is a case manager through the foundation, that person should contact the Warehouse on their behalf.
Posted by: SusanOR | December 14, 2010 at 03:56 PM
should we say here what we plan to provide so that there's not a duplication of efforts, or will duplicates find another welcome home?
Posted by: jj | December 14, 2010 at 05:11 PM
JJ -- It would be great if people could state on here or email me what they can provide for household items and such. However, for toys, gift cards, etc., I'm sure that any duplicates would be more than appreciated! :) I will try to update the list regularly via this post's comments, so that people will know what is still needed/wished for. (It will probably be too late to provide any duplicate items to other families, but I can drop off any extras to a shelter or Community Warehouse before Christmas.)
Also, these donations are tax deductible and I can provide the form upon donation.
SusanOR -- I have donated to the Community before and will definitely mention it to both the organization and the family. Thanks for mentioning it!
~ Vita
Posted by: Vita | December 14, 2010 at 06:36 PM
So glad you posted this. I have two tubs of 12 month clothes that are in great shape! I will save them for this.
Posted by: V | December 14, 2010 at 07:47 PM
I'm happy to donate pjs for mom, dad, and kids.
Thanks for the opportunity.
Posted by: Susie | December 14, 2010 at 08:32 PM
I'd like to donate a purse for mom and a Safeway giftcard. Thanks for arranging this.
Posted by: Mary | December 14, 2010 at 09:12 PM
I've updated the post to reflect the contributions thus far.
V - Did you want me to add you name next to Adrian's pants & shirts?
urbanMamas will pick up the tab for coffee and pastries that all that come to help gift wrap! If you'd like to donate your time to giftwrap; I'm sure it'll be much appreciated.
Posted by: hau | December 14, 2010 at 10:01 PM
I'll do the pots and pans and a few cars for the 5 year old. I knew UrbanMamas was a great community but it is really wonderful how you are harnessing it to do this great thing!
Posted by: Trina | December 15, 2010 at 11:43 AM
Updates - (Thanks so much for your generosity so far everyone!)
Trina - pots and pans, some cars for the 5 year old
Sylvia - 2 jackets (one for each child), towels
Melissa - towels
~ Vita
Posted by: Vita | December 15, 2010 at 12:01 PM
Update for father's pants - his pants size is 36x30.
~ Vita
Posted by: Vita | December 15, 2010 at 12:24 PM
I'll take care of coat and shoes for Adrian.
Posted by: Sara | December 15, 2010 at 12:37 PM
Thank you for doing this. The working mama's group at the City of Portland (cityMamas) has done this for the last three years. This year and last we were able to do two families and now have another group helping. I might try to stop by the wrapping party.
Posted by: courtney | December 15, 2010 at 01:33 PM
Sara - Adrian's coat has been spoken for, but the shoes will be much appreciated.
~ Vita
Posted by: Vita | December 15, 2010 at 04:11 PM
We'll bring wooden blocks for the 5 year old and a wooden walker/learning toy (http://www.amazon.com/Unknown-PM9991-Around-Block-Walker/dp/B00009XZTK ) for the little one.
Posted by: Anna | December 15, 2010 at 06:50 PM
Hi- I will get the father's pants, shirt, and a queen sheet set. I will need to drop off the donations because I won't be able to make it to the Tuesday event. Can we make arrangements for a drop off over the weekend? Jennifer
Posted by: Jen | December 15, 2010 at 07:21 PM
Jen - Please get in touch with me to arrange alternate drop off arrangements. vintagemagenta@gmail.com
Thanks,
~ Vita
Posted by: Vita | December 15, 2010 at 09:11 PM
I don't know why my reply didn't post this afternoon. I bought sheets today. Is it too late?
Posted by: Aimee | December 15, 2010 at 09:26 PM
Hi all -
I just spoke to the family and their first/primary language is Spanish and they have varying levels of English fluency. In addition to English language games and books, I was thinking that it would be great if we could include a few Spanish language items as well. Does anyone happen to have any games in Spanish that the 5 year old could play with his parents or any baby books in Spanish for the baby?
Thanks again for your generosity!
~ Vita
Posted by: Vita | December 15, 2010 at 09:29 PM
Aimee - Someone else has signed up for sheets, but I'm sure that the family would definitely appreciate a 2nd set! :-)
~ Vita
Posted by: Vita | December 15, 2010 at 09:32 PM
Hi, noted the coat for Adrian is spoken for. I'll focus on the shoes and also will pick up some pants and shirts for Adrian. I also have some baby books in spanish (gently used).
Posted by: Sara | December 16, 2010 at 11:14 AM
Vita, apologies for the multiple posts. I took care of Adrian and Eric's shoes today. See you Tues. Sara
Posted by: Sara | December 16, 2010 at 12:16 PM
As a Providence employee, I received a Safeway gift certificate that expires Jan. 11, 2011. If they are in need of a frozen turkey, spiral ham, boneless ham, or veggie or fruit platter for the holidays, please let me know as I can't use this and would hate for it to go to waste.
Posted by: Michele | December 16, 2010 at 04:53 PM
@ Sara - OK, we'll mark you down for Eric's shoes, Adrian's shoes, Spanish baby books, Adrian's pants, and Adrian's shirts. Is that correct? Wow, thanks for providing all of that!
@ Michele - Yes, we can definitely use more Safeway gift cards/certificates. Just for clarification, is it a gift certificate for one of those particular items or is it a gift card for a certain amount? If it's a gift card, please let me know how much it's for. Thx!
Posted by: Vita | December 16, 2010 at 05:43 PM
I work in a library and have lots of donated new books, including some Spanish. I'll bring them by on Tuesday.
Posted by: sharai | December 16, 2010 at 07:21 PM
We have a dark wood desk we could give, but no good way to transport it--anyone have a pickup/truck? It's a regular sized desk, approx 39" W x 24" D x 30" H, with 4 drawers down one side. It's in good shape though the drawer pulls are outdated. If the family would like it I guess we'll just have to work out logistics (you wouldn't want it dropped off at UGrind, I imagine...).
Posted by: Emily | December 16, 2010 at 08:32 PM
Put me down for Ana's watch and Rick's wallet.
Posted by: Kelly | December 17, 2010 at 09:38 AM
I will contribute make up for Ana, the mother.
Posted by: Joan | December 17, 2010 at 10:02 AM
Updates -
- Adrian's shirts and pants - Needed. Donor can't go get them - sick kids.
:(
@ Emily - Thank you, but I don't think that it'll work. I think that they requested a kid's size desk and chair due to space limitations, so a full size desk probably won't work. Much appreciation for the offer though!
~ Vita
Posted by: Vita | December 17, 2010 at 10:50 AM
- I notice that one of the things that we are lacking is clothing for the mother. Does anyone happen to have any gently used clothing in her size hidden in your closets, drawers, etc.?
- Also, I know that many of the uMs do canning. Anyone wanna donate some extra canned goods or any other items that they may not use in their pantries?
I know that I keep on writing thanks, but I am soooo excited!!!
~ Vita
Posted by: Vita | December 17, 2010 at 10:56 AM
Vita--it is a gift card specifically for one of the items mentioned. I am happy to bring it by if you think it is of use.
Posted by: Michele | December 17, 2010 at 10:56 AM
@ Michelle - I'm sure that it will appreciated. Thanks for the contribution.
Posted by: Vita | December 17, 2010 at 03:06 PM
Are you still in need of pants and shirts for Adrian? I have some very nice gently used baby clothes that I would be happy to give. Also, please put me down for a shirt and a pair of pants for Eric.
Posted by: Rhonda | December 17, 2010 at 09:06 PM
Vita, I can gather some size L clothes for mom. I know I have a lighter jacket and some shirts. Can probably find a pair of size 12 pants I've been holding on to, thinking I'd fit into them again some day.
Posted by: sharai | December 18, 2010 at 07:15 AM
Update - Shoes for both children have been donated by Sara. Thx!
~ Vita
Posted by: Vita | December 19, 2010 at 09:04 PM
NEED HELP WITH TRANSPORTATION OF GIFTS:
I keep on forgetting to request help with transporting the gifts. I have a 4 door car, but won't have enough room to transport all of the gifts in it, especially with my daughter in the car with me. I'm looking for another vehicle to help transport the gifts to my house in close-in N. Portland on Tuesday after the gift wrapping gathering (ending at approx. 6 pm). I also need someone to help transport gifts to the family on Thursday in SE Portland (around SE 82nd) sometime b/w the hours of 11:30-1:30.
Please let me know if you can help at either one or both of these times. Thanks!
~ Vita
Posted by: Vita | December 19, 2010 at 09:18 PM
Hi Vita! I will be at the gift wrapping event at Urban Grind and can help you transport things to your house at 6 pm.
Posted by: Mandy | December 20, 2010 at 03:06 PM
I have a mini-van & nothing scheduled on Tuesday or Thursday. I'm kind of new in town (only 4 months), but if you give me an address I can GPS it. Let me know!
Posted by: Peace | December 20, 2010 at 06:23 PM
I'll take care of the men's XL coat too, I feel bad the dad isn't getting much!
Posted by: Peace | December 20, 2010 at 08:00 PM
@ Mandy - That would be great. Thx!
@ Peace - I could definitely use help on Thursday if you are free around 12 - 1ish. The plan is to load up the cars at my house (in N. Portland) and take them to their house (in SE Portland). It's basically across town, but there shouldn't be any traffic at that time of day, so it should be relatively quick to get there. Will you please email me and let me know if that'll work for you and I can give you addresses, etc.? Also, thanks for the contribution of the dad's coat. Thx again!
Posted by: Vita | December 21, 2010 at 07:23 AM
Vita - sorry for the late notice but I will bring XL coats for the father. See you later today!
Posted by: Shetha | December 21, 2010 at 10:15 AM
I'll bring a Fred Meyer gift card that can be used for shoes or knife set or groceries or whatever they need/want :)
Posted by: jj | December 21, 2010 at 01:18 PM
@ Peace - The mother has been called into work for a few hours on Thursday. Are you free to meet at my place around 1:30, so we could load up and be there 2ish? The other option would be that evening, but if so, I'd like to do it after traffic hours.
Everyone - THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE DONATIONS!
TRANSPORTATION HELP MAY BE NEEDED: Given the time change for the delivery of presents, I may need an alternate driver if the new time doesn't work out for the current person. Do you have any free time on Thurs from approx. 1:30-3:00 or evening after traffic hours? Please let me know! Thx!
Posted by: Vita | December 21, 2010 at 02:23 PM
Thursday afternoon would be fine. I got the dad's XL coat today & wrapped it already. My e-mail is peaceful@savetz.com to give address for Thursday afternoon.
Posted by: Peace | December 21, 2010 at 02:52 PM
Thank YOU Vita, for organizing this and getting everything to the family. Wish I could've stopped by tonight, but had family in town and a sick kiddo, so sending the Freddy's gift card with Shetha was the best I could do :)
Posted by: jj | December 21, 2010 at 10:53 PM