SCCFF brings in the New Year helping families

THOMPSON FALLS – With a New Year well underway, Sanders County Coalition for Families continues their mission to bring help to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and stalking.

In an effort to bring help to those in need, SCCFF recently wrapped up their Adopt-A-Family program with great success.

Over 70 volunteers came together to help 17 families with 42 children overall. Volunteers ranged from adopters to high school students who helped wrap the presents.

The program is a true example of a community coming together for a common cause - from the adopters, to those who donate and even local organizations throughout the community.

One example of outside help this year was the Plains Woman’s Club who provided handmade stockings for all of the children – each of which were filled with goodies and treats for the kids.

Aiding the adopters was a first time donation of $750 from Town Pump. The grant money helped purchase food for those who did not receive food assistance from their adopters. The money helped ensure each family was provided with nutritious food.

“We encourage our adopters to only buy what they are financially comfortable in providing and we utilize the grant funding to go towards families who did not otherwise receive a food pantry box or grocery gift card,” said Volunteer Organizer Crystal Buchanan.

Private check donations went to two different causes – either the stockings or for families who signed up late in the month.

Among many items, the private donations bought a convertible infant car seat and a high chair for two of the children enrolled in the program.

“Even though we are a small non-profit, our Adopt-A-Family program is very similar to the Salvation Army’s Christmas program in guidelines and policy. Receipts and records are kept in case anyone is curious to what the donations are used towards. Needs or wish requests do not exceed $50 and other than DVDs or non-brand name small music players, electronic items were not distributed,” Buchanan said.

The money primarily provided the families with their “needs” items and although wish list items were also provided, the main purpose of the program is to supply families with added help in a time of high demand.

In order to bring even more to the adopted families, SCCFF was selected to participate in Kyss Fm’s ‘Kyss-Mass for Kids’ program. This allowed the non-profit to collect clothing items, which were in high demand this year.

“The donated gift cards were used towards purchasing new jeans, sweaters, hoodies and warm PJs for the children,” Buchanan explained. “We wanted to make sure each child had plenty of warm clothing.”

Buchanan said SCCFF did not know if they would be selected for the program and so it was a surprise and an added blessing for the families.

“Each gift card was valued at $27 so budget shopping was extremely important. We were shopping using lists, grabbing clearance items, sales flyers and using calendars,” Buchanan said.

The hard work paid off and allowed SCCFF to bring warm clothes to those in need.

The efforts were deemed successful for a number of different reasons.

Buchanan said the support from local Sanders and Missoula County residents was tremendous. The residents made sure everyone was adopted this year.

The second successful part of the program was the fact that each child enrolled in the program received a new winter coat, boots, a hat, gloves and warm winter clothing. Every family also received food.

“Every family this year, thanks to their adopter or thanks to the Town Pump Grant, was able to purchase groceries for the holiday season,” Buchanan said.

An added bonus for the families and especially the children was the fact that almost every child on the program received what was on their wish list. A variety of Barbie dolls, stuffed animals, Nancy Drew books and John Deere tractor toys were handed out among other items.

“Every adopter this year, and in years past, did an amazing job for their families. So much care and thought went into selecting each item,” Buchanan said. “Adopters wanted to make sure that the coats purchased for the children were the child’s favorite color or backup choices if a favorite book could not be found.”

The program strives on a yearly basis to give the struggling families the very best holiday they can.

“This program is truly a community effort,” Buchanan said explaining local clubs, leagues, churches and families all adopt families. “I am very grateful to each and every one of you who not only impacted the lives of your adopted families but also your generosity of your time and heart during the busy holiday season.”

Buchanan said the efforts of the volunteers and adopters are greatly appreciated.

As Thank You cards come into the SCCFF office from the adopted families, the organization plans to forward them to the adopters.