We start our project around Thanksgiving and have up to three weeks to purchase, wrap, and deliver presents to the families. We even have a station in the office reserved for our KM elves to organize and wrap piles of presents including clothing, toys, and household items.
The gifts provided by the Kreischer Miller team are often the only ones these families receive. Each year, our shopping begins with the same purchases. Each child receives a new winter coat, hat, gloves, and a scarf, regardless of whether or not they requested them. This year, the basic needs of the families were much greater than in years past. One family needed the next size car seat for a child who had outgrown the infant carrier. We quickly purchased the car seat and were able to have it delivered to the family within a week. A different family requested a dehumidifier because they had mold growing in their bathroom. There was also a 16 year old boy who asked for “good toothpaste.” We were happy to give him a big box filled with toothpaste, an electric toothbrush, and all kinds of dental and personal hygiene supplies.
The fun begins when we tackle the families’ wish lists. We tracked down a toy kitchen set, a life size toy pony that neighs and that is big enough for a child to sit on, a Nick Foles jersey, a Cozy Coupe, two mountain bikes, a pink tricycle, and clothes. If they request clothes, we try to provide five new outfits for them so they have something new to wear each day for the first week of school in the New Year.
This year, we had a last minute addition to our project. A family of four lost their home and all of their possessions in a fire, so KM stepped in and also adopted this family. We purchased bunk beds, bunkie boards, and mattresses for the two children. We also purchased a queen bed and a mattress and box spring for the parents. Everyone in the family received a new winter coat, a hat, gloves, and scarves. At the mother’s request, shoes and boots were also provided for the children.
Our team usually delivers the Adopt-a-Family gifts to the church, but because of this unique situation, we delivered directly to the family. We loaded trucks, a trailer, and SUVS with all of the beds, household items, furniture, and toys for this family. When we arrived at the house, our team worked together to set up the bunk beds and queen bed and provided a hot meal for dinner that night. When we left they called us their “Christmas angels.”
December is often referred to as the season for giving and giving back. The Kreischer Miller team follows this mantra every December. The generosity, support, and enthusiasm of our team members, friends and families of the firm, and other companies in our building are amazing, and we would not be able to successfully accomplish this project without them. We are looking forward to the 2019 Adopt-a-Family project and welcome you to join our Adopt-a-Family team!
Pictured below are just a few of the gifts that were delivered to the families this year:
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