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 2025 holiday season!

In 2024, donors and local community organizations (Bottoms Up Diaper Bank, Project Linus, TJMAXX, Bath & Body Works) 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 2025 season are welcome to apply beginning November 1. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, November 12. Applications received after November 12 will not be accepted.

Adopt-A-Family Timeline:

• Saturday, November 1, 2025: Donor and Family Applications Open
• Wednesday, November 12, 2025: Donor and Family Applications Close (Applications received after November 12 will not be accepted)
• Friday, November 21, 2025: Donors and Families receive Denial/Approval Notifications
• December 8 – 10, 2025: Donor Gift Drop Off to the DSACO Office
• December 15 – 17, 2025: Family Gift Pick Up at the DSACO Office (Families will not be able to pick up gifts after Wednesday, December 17)

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 by Friday, November 21.

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), all children residing in the household (17 years old and younger), and 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 (suggested range is $50-$75 per person). DSACO will not accept gift cards as a wish list item.

Gift Delivery Guidelines: 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 15, 16, or 17). You will receive a separate link to sign up for the specific date and time you are able to pick up your gifts.

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 Lucy Maddrill at lmaddrill@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. Join DSACO in supporting over 100 families by choosing one of these impactful ways to help:

Ways You Can Help:

1. Adopt a DSACO Family: Provide personalized support to a family in need. Applications open November 1.
2. Gift Cards for Rural Families: Purchase Amazon gift cards to support families in remote areas.
3. Fulfill Basic Needs: Shop our Amazon Wishlist for essential items like hand sanitizer and soap.
4. Donate to Family Support Programs: Your financial contribution directly supports DSACO’s vital family assistance initiatives. Please put Adopt-A-Family in the comments!
5. Volunteer with us during our Adopt-A-Family Gift Drop Off: Volunteer shifts are available from December 8-10 throughout the day.

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 Application

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 rejoice this holiday season! You understand that all the families to be adopted are living on the edge financially and struggle every month to cover the costs of providing the basics like food, shelter and clothing. 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 8 – 10. 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. On the “from” section of the label, you may put Santa or leave it blank.
• Please include a list or picture of what items are included.  One idea is to take a picture of the gifts together before wrapping them!
• 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 Lucy Maddrill at lmaddrill@dsaco.net or Lisa Dodge at ldodge@elevatedd.org. Thank you for your generosity this holiday season!