Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is AAF?
Adopt-A-Family matches needy families with community donors who provide them with gifts during the holiday season.
2. Who are these families, and how do we know they are in need? Families are referred to the program from community and social service agencies throughout Guelph and Wellington County. They are only referred if it is felt they could benefit from the program.
3. Are there families for whom it is more difficult to find donors?
Yes. They include:
- Independent teens
- Families who have children with disabilities
- Families with children over 12 years of age
4. Who is an independent teen?
An independent teen is over age 16. He or she lives on a limited government allowance, is in school, and often is working part time as well.
5. Will I get to know who my family is?
No. All family surnames are kept confidential.
6. How do I become a donor?
Please complete the Donor Information Form online at (Link will be available after Thanksgiving), or call us at 519-826-9551.
7. How much does it cost to sponsor a family?
It depends upon the size of the family and the ages of the children. Our expectation is that you provide a $25 grocery gift card per person in the family, a minimum of three gifts per child (toy, clothing and educational) and a small gift for mom and/or dad. The cost per child can range from $100 – $200, including the grocery card.
8. Are there other ways to help if I don’t want to sponsor a family?
Yes. There are many ways for you to help. Please call us to discuss what might work best for you. Options include:
- Gift cards for food, hydro, drugstores, shopping malls etc.
- Gifts for teens, moms and dads, such as toiletries, gift baskets, gloves and scarves
- Cash donations
- Special request items such as strollers, car seats, and high chairs
- Gift wrapping supplies
- Volunteering to help wrap gifts
9. Will I receive a charitable tax receipt for my donation?
Yes. You will receive a tax receipt for new items and gift cards, if you provide original sales slips. Please submit these sales slips when you drop off your gifts.
10. If I don’t want a tax receipt do you need to know how much I spent?
Yes. As a charitable organization, the government requires that we track all cash and "in kind” donations. It is easier for you to tell us how much you spent, than for us to estimate.
11. How do I know what to buy?
A wish list from the family is provided for your guidance. You do not have to purchase everything on the list, but it will provide you with suggestions for each member of the family. If you are unsure of what to purchase, you can provide a gift card: Wal Mart, Stone Road Mall, and various eateries are always good choices. If in doubt, you can also provide a gift receipt so that an item can be exchanged. This is particularly useful when you are purchasing clothing.
For gift ideas for all age ranges, see our gift suggestion list - Adopt A Family Gift Ideas.
12. I want to give my family everything on their list, no matter how long, in order to make it the best possible Christmas for them. Is this OK?
It would be wonderful if all children received everything on their wish list. However, this is rare for any family. We want the children to have a good Christmas, but remember that in future years mom and dad may not be able to meet that same expectation of buying everything on the list. Try to maintain a balance in providing items the children have requested. If you are able to purchase more gifts, perhaps you might want to consider helping an additional family.
13. Do I have to purchase a gift for the parent(s)?
Yes. We do ask that you provide a small gift such as toiletry items, chocolates, a winter scarf or gloves. Often the parents may not otherwise receive any gift at all, as their priority is to provide for their children first. It is also important for the children in the family to see that their parents are not left out and receive a gift as well.
14. Do I have to provide gift cards for food? Can I include food items with my gifts?
A box of chocolates or other similar treat for the family is fine. Otherwise, please do not provide food items. The holidays are a time of celebration, and families want to provide special meals for the occasion. Gift cards from any of the large chain grocery stores allow the family to make their own food choices. If you wish to donate other food items, we suggest you take them to the local food bank.
15. Will my family receive all the gifts that I buy for them?
Everything you purchase for your family goes to your family.
16. Where and when do I drop off the gifts?
When you are matched with a family, we will tell you where and when to drop off the gifts.
17. How do my gifts get to the family?
Delivery is made by the referring social service agency or school.
18. What if I don’t have all the gifts purchased by my deadline?
It is important that you drop off the gifts by the date requested, as it helps us avoid a backlog of last minute deliveries to the families. Please contact us immediately should you require more time.
19. Do I need to wrap the gifts?
No. Please do not wrap the gifts. However, donations of wrapping paper are welcome. As a suggestion, you can drop off your gifts in reusable containers such as tupperware, cloth grocery bags or laundry baskets. The families appreciate these useful items.
20. Do you take donations of used furniture, toys and/or clothing?
No. Many of the families we help are on very tight budgets. As a consequence, this may be the only time the children receive a new piece of clothing or a new toy. We also cannot store or deliver large items.
21. Our group would like to do a toy drive. Can we donate the toys to Adopt-A-Family?
We always have a need for new toys, board games and in particular children’s books. If you are planning a toy drive, please contact us in advance, so that we can let you know what is needed most. Again, please remember we only accept new items.
