Your adopted family will be anxious to hear from you, so please make contact with their caseworker within 3 days of selection.

Once you're in contact, here are some good questions to work out:

• If you are providing a pre-cooked meal: Ask the family if there is anything they do not eat (due to allergies, preferences, etc.)
• If you are providing a holiday food basket: Ask the family if they have the means to cook the items you are providing (ex: stove/oven to cook with.)
• If you are providing gifts: You may want to ask the family if the children have a Holiday Wish List and that you might be able to provide at least one of the items on the list, NOT everything they request

**Please note: some children may still believe in Santa Claus, and the family may prefer to have gifts for the children to open on Christmas day.

If you are providing gift certificates: ask what grocery or retail store is nearest to them (ex: Publix, Winn-Dixie, Wal-Mart, Target, etc.)

Most of our adopters choose to meet their adopted family. Here are some examples of special activities that adopters have done in the past:

Here are some suggestions and tips for special activities that adopters have done in the past:

• If your company is adopting a family: Throw a party at your company and arrange for the family's transportation. Many adoptees do not own cars and taking a bus would be inconvenient, since they will be returning home with gifts.
• Arrange to have a virtual Holiday party through Zoom.
• Dress up as Santa Claus and Elves and go deliver presents to their home.
• Arrange to meet at a park and have a picnic.
• Invite them to dinner or lunch at a restaurant.
• If the family has children, meet at a family-friendly public place like the zoo or holiday festival.
• Treat the family to movies and ice cream.
• Ask the head of the household to meet you at the local mall or toy store to help you pick out things for their children. It is important they know how much you can spend. Feel free to discuss those parameters with your family’s caseworker ahead of time.
• Provide the family with a Christmas tree, menorah, or other holiday decorations.

• The family you have adopted may not have transportation.
• If you invite them to go out somewhere understand that they may not be able to afford certain activities.
• If you would like to have the items delivered to the family anonymously, set up a drop-off time and date to meet their caseworker to arrange to get the items to the family. **Please keep in mind that the holidays are a busy time for everyone, including caseworkers, so please arrange well in advance.
• If you ever feel uncomfortable about a situation or request your adopted family has made, please feel free to contact the caseworker or Neighbors 4 Neighbors directly.
• If you have any questions regarding the family's circumstances that you feel awkward asking the family directly, contact the family's caseworker first and they may be able to provide you with extra information.

Many adopters tell us that this is the best holiday experience they have ever had. We hope you feel the same. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.

At a time when so many have so little, we are so fortunate to live in a community with those who are willing to ease the burden!