In these troubled economic times, the necessity of helping our neighbors in need is greater than ever. The Adopt-A-Family Program has partnered over the years with area charities to assist in an array of efforts designed to help families through times of crisis and need, and is designed to instill a strong commitment to charitable giving and empathetic behavior in our children.  We are pleased to announce we are now partnering with the FRIENDS of the Watchung Public Library, and hoping to involve the whole Watchung community, including businesses and local community groups.  Area charities that have been recipients of aid in the past have included the Somerset Food Bank in Bridgewater, Family Counseling Services of Somerset County, New Jersey Battered Women, and Interfaith Council for the Homeless.   

The Adopt-A-Family project involves helping families in need celebrate the holiday season.  Local charities will identify needy families and obtain a “wish list” of holiday gifts and necessities from each individual family. These families, who live in virtually in our own backyard in immediately neighboring communities, face tremendous adversity on a daily basis including homelessness, hunger, poverty and abuse. Our program will seek to fulfill that “wish list” as best it can, understanding that not all wishes can come true.  The idea is for our community as individual families, groups of families, civic groups, and local businesses come together to make a happier holiday season for the less fortunate.

 “Adopting a Family” can be Watchung’s way of showing we care and giving back to our community.  Because there are multiple members in a recipient family, we might suggest that several families come together to aid a single family in need. The program runs from October to December.  Each Saturday, from 10am – 12noon, an Adopt-A-Family representative will be on hand at the Watchung Public Library.  In addition, a representative will be at the Library every other Thursday night from 7-9pm.  On December 14, we will have a drop off of donations at the Watchung Fireman’s Exempt Hall.   

To learn more about the program, or to sign up to “adopt a family,” you can reach us in the following ways:

• Bring or mail the tear sheet below to the Watchung Public Library at the address listed above;
• Call 908-753-6135 and leave a message.  We will call you back to answer your questions;
• EMAIL Cindy Homer, Coordinator
• Sign up on our Website:  http://www.WatchungLibrary.org/adopt
• Come to the Watchung Public Library each Saturday from October 5 through December 7 (excluding November 30), from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, and every other Thursday night beginning October 3 though December 5, excluding Halloween (Oct. 31)

_____      I am interested in learning more about the program

_____      I am interested in “adopting a family.”

_____      I am interested in volunteering to assist with the program.

                        Please contact me.  Name (print):

                                Phone #:  ____________________________

                                E-mail address: ______________________________________:

Press release