NEICAC Christmas adoption program is underway

2020 marks the 25th year of the Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation's Christmas adoption program. The program assists local families during the holiday season by pairing them with a sponsor.

Participating families, most of whom are current NEICAC clients, must have children in the household ages 18 and under.  The families complete a wish list (providing information from clothing size to hobbies/interests) and the information is passed along to the sponsor. All family information is kept confidential. Sponsors purchase the items and drop them off at the NEICAC office in the Smith Building in Decorah where they are then picked up by the sponsored family.

Program coordinator Rebecca Phillips says the program continues to grow. The list of sponsors consist of local families, businesses, churches and other local groups/organizations. Last year 81 Winneshiek County families were adopted and 51 sponsors participated in the program.  "In 2019 we extended the Christmas Adoption Program to Howard and Allamakee County, and we also have a few long running sponsors who ask to adopt families in Chickasaw, Clayton and Fayette counties. Through the support of 91 sponsors, the NEICAC Christmas Adoption Program was able to assist 182 families living in Allamakee, Howard, Chickasaw, Clayton and Winneshiek counties in 2019," says Phillips.  

"It is heartwarming to see the generosity of those in our communities and the joy that it brings to each family. There are many families in our community who benefit from this program–not only does it help alleviate the financial stress but it also allows them to keep the spirit of the holidays upbeat for their children."

If you would like to learn more about becoming a sponsor, please contact Rebecca Phillips at 563-387-4910 or via email at rphillips@neicac.org.