With campus offices already having committed to helping about 30 families through the Children's Aid Society this holiday season, organizer Mary Anne Beaudoin reminds the university community that it’s not too late to join in.

The Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society developed the Adopt-a-Family program to ensure happy holidays for local children. The society asks sponsors to provide clothing and food to assist families through the holidays and beyond, in addition to toys.

“A couple of the groups that usually participate have pulled out this year,” Beaudoin says. “The need is still there, so we hope to identify some people who are able to join us for the first time.”

Under the program, offices or individuals sponsor a needy family and pull together a gift package of food, clothing, and toys—items that are often financially difficult for the families to obtain. Sponsors may choose a small, medium or large-sized family or a child on extended care.

To adopt a family, contact Beaudoin at 519-253-3000, ext. 3240, or e-mail mbeaud@uwindsor.ca. You will receive a profile of the family members, a list of their wishes, and instructions to keep in mind when delivering your gifts.

All gifts are due by Wednesday, December 5, in the parking lot behind Assumption University—a truck will take delivery of donations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.