For Todd and Laura Clyncke, the holiday season has always been a time of giving back and giving thanks. Since the Catholic Charities Adopt-A-Family drive began 26 years ago, Todd and Laura have been a steadfast piece of the operation. They have always gone above and beyond – donating carloads of gifts to families, but in 2024, they outdid themselves. They “adopted” 60 families and showered them with presents and gift cards. Their focus in 2024 was on our Kinship Program— a ministry of Catholic Charities that supports caregivers who are raising their relatives’ children due to circumstances such as the death or illness of the biological parents, drug abuse or incarceration.
This Christmas tradition for the Clyncke’s started long before the Catholic Charities Adopt-A-Family drive. For as long as Todd can remember, his father brought them all together to give presents to families before they purchased their own. To keep the tradition alive, the Clyncke’s got involved in our Adopt-A-Family program back in the late 1990’s.
Over the years, the Clynckes have expanded their involvement and, this year, they decided to focus on families in the Kinship Program. Support for these families is especially immense, as many caregivers are not financially prepared to take on the additional responsibility of raising young children.
“We know we are so blessed,” Laura shared. “And when it came to this ministry, it just really touched my heart. We wanted to do something for the caregivers and these kids, to show them they’re not alone. These people are giving their time, their energy and their love to children who need them. The least we could do is make their holiday season a little easier and a little brighter.”
This year, for the 26th time, Todd and Laura provided gifts for over 60 families in the Kinship Program. They worked closely with Catholic Charities to understand the needs of each family —purchasing gift cards, clothes, toys and household items. Each year they pack up their car and drive from Broomfield to Denver to drop-off at All Saints Catholic Parish, where the drive is held. They were even able to give Carrie Savage, the director of the Catholic Charites Kinship Program a big hug and talk with her about what their donation will mean to these families.
Todd and Laura’s incredible generosity and their deep connection to the mission of Catholic Charities is truly remarkable. It highlights the profound impact their donations have on the lives of hundreds of families, while also emphasizing the spirit of Christmas and selflessness that drives their lives.