Adding the “merry” to Merry Christmas for financially-strapped Batavia families is the goal of Batavia United Way’s Adopt A Family program.

For the ninth year, Batavia United Way is collaborating with the Batavia School District to purchase gifts and food for families who are struggling to make ends meet. This year, the District identified over 40 families that are to be adopted out, which is the largest number ever. Although many families are already sponsored, more help is necessary.

According to Melinda Kintz, executive director of Batavia United Way, there are several ways community members and businesses can participate.

• Adopt a family. Contact the Batavia United Way and speak to Melinda Kintz at 630-877-2780. Adoptable families are matched to sponsor families or businesses. The sponsors will then purchase appropriate gifts and drop them off during the evening hours on December 15 at Rotolo Middle School.
• Purchase grocery gift cards that will help provide a holiday meal.
• Purchase gift cards from merchants (you are encouraged to shop local) that will provide a family with items they need for the holiday. Cards for children’s activities, movies, and low- to average-priced restaurants are also worthwhile donations.
• Make a monetary donation: Mail checks made payable to Batavia United Way to Batavia United Way, P.O. Box 372, Batavia, IL 60510. Donations can also be made online at www.BataviaUnitedWay.org.

“Every year the number of families needing assistance grows, but thankfully, the community generously responds to cover the need,” says Kintz.

Several other Batavia groups are contributing to the Adopt A Family program. CHIP IN Batavia plans to purchase and organize a grocery bag of fresh produce and breads for each family. They will also sponsor an “Adopt A Bag” drive so that each family also receives a brown grocery bag with laundry detergent, toilet paper, facial tissues, bar soap and shampoo.

Additionally, the Batavia Woman’s Club will provide an age-appropriate stocking for each child under age 18.

Batavia United Way thanks the community for continuing to create opportunities and inspire hope for a better tomorrow. To learn more about United Way and opportunities to volunteer or donate to help Batavians, call Melinda Kintz at 630-877-2780 or send an email to info@bataviaunitedway.org.

About Batavia United Way

The Batavia United Way is a nonprofit community based organization that raises funds for programs that directly benefit Batavians. Batavia United Way envisions a community where all individuals and families achieve their human potential through education, income stability and healthy lives. The group values all members of our community as well as its volunteers, donors and partners. The goal is to have a measurable lasting impact in the community and do so with accountability and integrity. An all-volunteer board and a part-time executive director, Melinda Kintz, run Batavia United Way. Visit www.BataviaUnitedWay.org for more information, or call the office at 630-877-2780.