HOLIDAY ADOPT-A-FAMILY
Batavia United Way, in collaboration with the Batavia Public Schools, each year organizes the Adopt-A-Family Program. School district staff identify families in need and help those families create wish lists which are then sent to Batavia United Way. We match the wish lists with sponsors who are interested in providing holiday magic for those families.
In 2024, our wonderful community adopted 365 children in 168 families who received coats, winter boots, warm clothing, underwear & socks, toys & games, stockings filled with goodies, an Adopt-A-Bag filled with essentials, cereal, and gift cards to be used for groceries or gas. Click the link below to see a snapshot of the 2024 program.
We expect the need to be greater this year and we would love your help! If you are interested in becoming involved in the Adopt-A-Family program, please email us: adoptafamily@bataviaunitedway.org
We are currently matching families and sponsors with the goal of having all families assigned by Thanksgiving. This allows sponsors to take advantage of those great Black Friday deals!
There are many ways to participate in Adopt-A-Family 2025:
- Adopt a Family in its entirety. Click here for a basic description of what that entails. If interested, email us at adoptafamily@bataviaunitedway.org
- Volunteer to be a “Special Project Shopper (SPS).” Sometimes, we have rather large families so an SPS provides support by purchasing a one or a few things (e.g., coats, sheets, boots) to assist the sponsor. Email us for more information on this.
- Provide Christmas stockings for children. Stockings are filled with personal care items and small treats. Email stockings@bataviaunitedway.org for more information on this program.
- Donate gift cards! Grocery or big box store (Walmart, Target) are particularly helpful this year.
- Provide “extras” from our Walmart wish list and deliver to one of our drop off locations or send to the address on file: Walmart Wish List
- Participate in the Teen PJ Drive. Our teens can be difficult to shop for, but they ALL love cozy PJs! Drop off any pajamas (pants or full pj sets Junior/Adult size XS – 3XL) to Wilson Street Mercantile at 222 E. Wilson Street between November 7, 2025 and December 14, 2025.
- Supply an Adopt-A-Bag for Chip In’s Drive for our families! Fill a reusable shopping bag with 1 medium laundry detergent, 1 pack (4 rolls) toilet paper, 1 box Kleenex, 2pack bar soap, 1 full size shampoo. Drop off at Bethany Lutheran Church (8 S. Lincoln) between Nov 29 and Dec 14.
- Assemble a few Cleaning Bucket Kits or Baking Bags for families. Each family will receive one of these to help get their households ready for the holidays. Please let us know how many bags you’ll be doing to help us plan!
Drop off Location: Batavia Chamber of Commerce – 106 W. Wilson Street in Downtown Batavia
This is a monumental project that could not be accomplished without so many volunteers! Thank you for considering! Please email us for more information if you are interested in sponsoring a family or volunteering for this event.
Contact AdoptAFamily@BataviaUnitedWay.org with any questions or to find out how you can contribute to our 2025 program!