The Prosecutor's Office has done an “adopt-a-family” gift drive to support families in need during the holidays for more than 15 years. This year was no exception. The employees of the Prosecutor's Office partnered with Catholic Community Services and their Family Housing Network to organize a drive that provided over 60 men, women, and children in transitional housing with much-needed gifts, such as winter clothes, dolls, and household goods.
Participants either "adopted" a family, shopping from their wish list and returning the wrapped gifts to be delivered to the families adopted, or contributed donations to aid other shoppers in fulfilling the wish lists of adopted families.
The people helped in this year's Adopt-a-Family drive included 34-year-old Rageina, her four-year-old son, Elijah, and his seven-year-old sister, Mikaela. Elijah and Mikaela needed winter clothes. Elijah is a big fan of Spiderman and Batman, and Mikaela loves to color and American Girl dolls. Rageina was helped with clothing suitable for job interviews and household goods.
Also included were 50-year-old Sandra and her teen kids. Sandra was helped with gifts needed to restock her household. Three-year-old Zaniyiah and her 22-year-old mother, who both love the zoo, received help with household goods and clothes.
Public service is a key value for the staff of the Prosecutor's Office, and we are happy to have been able to help with this important and rewarding work during the holiday season.