Adopt-A-Family Program

Holiday Joy Is for Everyone: Be Part of the DSACO Adopt-A-Family Program

Everyone deserves to experience the joy of the holiday season, and DSACO is providing a way to make sure we are all included. Whether you need a little help this time of year or have the means to provide assistance, you can participate in making the season a little brighter for everyone. We are thrilled to announce that this program will be offered again for the 2026 holiday season!

In 2025, donors and local community organizations provided gifts, handmade blankets, basic need items and gift cards to 100 people with Down syndrome and their families. DSACO families in our service area who are requesting assistance for the 2026 season are welcome to apply beginning Sunday, November 1. The deadline to apply is Thursday, November 12. Applications received after November 12 will not be accepted.

Adopt-A-Family Timeline:

• Sunday, November 1: Family Applications Open
• Thursday, November 12: Family Applications Close (Applications received after November 12 will not be accepted)
• Friday, November 20: Donors and Families receive Denial/Approval Notifications via email
• December 7 – 9: Donor Gift Drop Off to the BMW Offices in Grandview Heights (Note: this is a new location compared to previous years)
• December 14 – 16: Family Gift Pick Up at the BMW Offices in Grandview Heights (Note: this is a new location compared to previous years)
• Families will not be able to pick up gifts after Wednesday, December 16

Adopt-A-Family Application for Support

We are happy to support you and your family this holiday season. Please note while we would love to assist all families, DSACO cannot guarantee all applications will be approved. Please review the guidelines below before applying. Applications received after November 12 will not be accepted. You will receive an approval or denial notification via email by end of day Friday, November 20.

Eligibility: We are currently only able to serve families in the following counties: Athens, Coshocton, Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Knox, Lawrence, Licking, Madison, Marion, Meigs, Morgan, Morrow, Muskingum, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Union, and Vinton. 

Expectations:  People with Down syndrome (all ages), children residing in the home (17 years old and younger), and custodial parents/guardians are eligible to be a part of the Adopt-A-Family program. Please provide a detailed wish list for all eligible family members residing in the home, including sizing for clothing and shoes. DSACO will not accept gift cards as a wish list item. Please note: donors are given a budget of $50 – $75 per person.

Gift Pick Up: Please be responsive in DSACO’s attempts to contact you. Failure to respond could forfeit your opportunity to receive gifts for your family. You will have three options to pick up your gifts (December 14, 15, or 16). Families will not be able to pick up gifts after December 16. You will receive a link via email to sign up for the specific date and time you are able to pick up your gifts by end of day Tuesday, December 1.

Thank You Card: Families that receive support this season are welcome to complete a Thank You card that will be given to the donor. There will be cards available to fill out while picking up your gifts!

If you have any questions, please contact Kirsti Osborne at kosborne@dsaco.net.

Spread Holiday Cheer: Support Families in Need

Did you know? Families of children with developmental disabilities are twice as likely to face financial hardship. Increased healthcare costs, limited employment opportunities for caregivers, and the need for specialized care services often lead to significant economic challenges. This holiday season, you can make a real difference in the lives of these families. You can support DSACO families this holiday season by choosing one of these impactful ways to help:

Ways You Can Help:

1. Adopt a DSACO Family: Choose a family size, receive their wish list, then shop, wrap, and label gifts to help make their holidays brighter.
2. Sponsor a DSACO Member: Choose how many people you would like to support, and DSACO will take care of the rest.
3. Provide General Adopt-A-Family Support: Directly contribute to DSACO’s Adopt-A-Family Program.

Why Your Support Matters

Your generosity not only brings joy during the holidays but also provides crucial stability and resources to families facing unique challenges. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant impact. Thank you for being a part of our mission and for your support of the DSACO community.

Adopt-A-Family Donor Registration

By agreeing to adopt a DSACO family you are making a commitment to provide that family with enough gifts to give them a meaningful holiday. The wish list that the families provide is meant to be a guide in helping you give items that are truly needed or desired to give these families a reason to celebrate this holiday season! Families requesting to be adopted this year have applied and been approved.

A few important notes for Adopt-A-Family Donors:

• The suggested gift range is $50-$75 per person.
• Donor gift drop offs are December 7 – 9 at the BMW Offices in Grandview Heights. You will receive a direct link to schedule your drop off time when matched.
• Gifts must be wrapped. Be sure to include the name of the recipient on each gift. When labeling parents/guardians gifts, use the name of the person with Down syndrome (For example, “Bobby’s Mom”). On the “from” section of the label, you may put Santa or leave it blank.
• Note: Before wrapping, please remove any shipping labels that include your name or address.
• If you are purchasing clothing items, please include a gift receipt for size exchanges.

Thank you so much for your interest in adopting a DSACO family this holiday season!

If you have any questions, please contact Kirsti Osborne at kosborne@dsaco.net. Thank you for your generosity this holiday season!