EMAA still looking for family sponsors

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For Kathleen Capps, this is her favorite time of the year. Capps, the East Missouri Action Agency Community Service Representative has been helping with the Adopt-A-Family program for a “long time” and it never gets old. The program supplies families and the elderly who meet certain financial guidelines the chance to receive gifts during the holiday season. “If it wasn’t for this program, some kids would have very little under the tree for Christmas,” Capps said. “The kids and elderly aren’t asking for big things.” To volunteer, Capps asks that people come into the EMAA office on 25 Jackson St. pick up a stocking off the tree that signifies a family and then purchase the gifts and bring them back in a box or bag to be picked up. The gifts are to be under $30 and when volunteers bring in their boxes and bags, they are asked to have the family number on the bag along with the UPC codes marked out. “We also don’t want the volunteers to leave their names or the organizations either,” Capps said. “This is almost like a Secret Santa.” There are still many names left on the tree with the names of prospective kids and elderly residents to be bought for and Capps is eager to have them accounted for with presents. “I had a lot of people call in and ask if we were still doing the Adopt-A-Family,” Capps said. “The answer to that question is yes. We were starting to get nervous that many families would not be picked up. So anyone that is willing to help is encouraged to do so. Not to be left out during the holidays is the elderly, who also hold a place in Capp’s heart. Along with the kids, the program also helps the older residents want to celebrate Christmas with gifts. “Everyone loves Christmas,” Capps said. “While many people think of it as something for the kids, which it is, I also enjoy receiving gifts as well and I’m just a little older. Christmas is for everyone.” Many of the elderly ask for things such as food, personal hygiene items and other things they can’t afford because they are a tighter budget. “They really ask for things that some people take for granted,” Caps said. The office is open two days a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Doors are closed from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch. EMAA is grateful for all who volunteer, and it gives those who are being helped a chance to express their gratitude as well. “Every one deserves to have a Merry Christmas,” Capps said. “Whether they are younger or older, what is the holidays without giving?”