What is Adopt a Family?

Adopt a Family is a Christmas giving program that connects community members with families facing financial hardship. The Salvation Army carefully qualifies families based on income and household size. Parents or guardians share a wish list with gift ideas for each child age 17 and under, helping donors bring joy and hope to children during the holiday season.

The Matching Process

Matches go from November 10, 2025 - to December 4, 2025, or until all families are matched.

Link to match with a family available on November 10, 2025

FAQ:

Who gets gifts?

Children in the household ages 17 and under.

What are the donor guidelines?

Program guidelines:

• It is suggested to spend around $100 per child.
• Please provide a grocery gift card, $50 - $100, for a Christmas meal. Please do not purchase food, as we cannot store perishables. The gift list indicates a preferred grocery store.
• Gift cards should be labeled, put in an envelope or gift bag, and put securely in the tote/bags.
• Gifts are given to the families as presented, so please do not include any identifying information, as it would be given directly to the family.
• Please don't wrap gifts so the parents know what gifts their children are receiving. You may provide gift wrap for the family.  Wrapped packages are also more difficult to store.

$100 per child doesn’t buy many gifts, can we spend more per child?

These are guidelines and each sponsor will need to determine the total amount they want to spend per child.

When and where do I bring the gifts once I’m done shopping?

When: Wednesday, December 10, from 8:30 am - 7:00 pm

Where: The Salvation Army Fox Cities Worship & Community Center: 1525 Appleton Rd, Menasha, WI

Gift Drop-Off Instructions:

• Place all gifts in a container and clearly label it with the family number (found at the top of the gift list).
• To save space, please use stackable bins or boxes when possible and combine items into as few containers as you can.
• Children’s gifts do not need to be in separate bins.
• Families will pick up their gifts on Thursday, December 12, and Friday, December 13.

Important for Drop-Off:

• Write your name, phone number, and the family number on a separate piece of paper. This helps staff keep track of donations received.
• Give this paper to the volunteer at drop-off.
• Drop-off is DRIVE-UP ONLY.

Have more questions? Click here!