For 26 years, Catholic Charities of Denver’s Adopt-A-Family program has brought the spirit of Christmas to families and individuals in need by connecting them with generous donors across our community. This year, the program reached a new milestone, with more than 650 families and individuals adopted and supported during the holiday season.
Adopt-A-Family’s gracious donors select a family size online or make a monetary gift that goes toward purchasing presents for nominated families and individuals. Recipients are referred by Catholic Charities ministries, ensuring the program serves those facing the greatest need during the holidays.
Donors dropped off gifts and donations at All Saints early in the week while Catholic Charities ministries and volunteers organized and distributed items. Families and individuals were then able pick up their gifts later in the week, just in time for Christmas. For many recipients, the support provided relief during a stressful season and a reminder that they are not alone.
Stories of Generosity
Donors participated in a variety of ways, from adopting families individually to giving as groups and organizations.
One group that took part this year was Treeline Pass, an organization that empowers adults with autism and developmental disabilities to cultivate lives rooted in purpose, joy and growth in an inclusive community environment. Participants from Treeline Pass purchased gifts, wrapped them and personally delivered them for families in the Adopt-A-Family program, making the experience hands-on and meaningful for everyone involved.
“It’s a great outing for us to have them pick out gifts according to the lists, and take ownership of wrapping them. We do this every year,” shared Treeline’s director.
Another donor, Mary, a parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes, shared how moved she was by the wish lists created by recipients. Many lists included basic needs such as dish soap, shoes and socks. Seeing those requests humbled her and inspired action. Mary encouraged her parish women’s group to get involved, and together they adopted multiple families this Christmas.
Stories of Gratitude
Recipients expressed deep appreciation for the generosity shown through the program.
Jaclyn, a mom from our Early Childhood Education ministry, and her family were one of the many recipients of Adopt-A-Family.
“I am just so incredibly grateful and hope that God blesses everyone who helped us have a beautiful Christmas this year.
For families navigating financial hardship, housing instability or other challenges, the program helped ease the burden of the season and allowed parents and caregivers to focus on celebrating together.
An Employee Perspective
Christian Castaneda, an employee at Catholic Charities of Denver, shared a reflection that brought the impact of Adopt-A-Family full circle.
“More than 20 years ago, I was one of those kids,” Christian shared. “I grew up in a low-income household with a single mom, and my first winter clothes came from a Christmas gift drive through a church in Boulder. I was too young to know who the donors were, and I never had the chance to thank them.”
Today, Christian helps support Adopt-A-Family and has had the opportunity to thank donors on behalf of children like his younger self. “It’s been incredibly meaningful to share my story with Jenn and with some of the donors,” he said. “If any donor ever wonders whether it really makes a difference, it does. Those gifts plant a seed, and sometimes that seed flourishes 20 years later.”
Ministries Making a Difference
Catholic Charities ministries play a critical role in the success of Adopt-A-Family by identifying families and individuals who would benefit most and helping distribute gifts.
Staff members across housing, early childhood education, immigration, family services and other programs shared stories of recipients who requested practical household items, children’s gifts or simple essentials that made a meaningful difference.
The Adopt-A-Family program is made possible through the combined efforts of donors, volunteers and Catholic Charities employees. Together, they help ensure that hundreds of families and individuals feel supported and remembered during the Christmas season.
With more than 650 families and individuals adopted this year, Catholic Charities of Denver continues to make the holidays brighter—one act of generosity at a time.