Gainesville’s Little Ones program is celebrating its 35th year organized by the city.
This holiday season, residents can “adopt” children from families who are financially struggling by committing to give gifts and food to them and their families.
Usually, the adopters are employees of the City of Gainesville and community members.
The families up for adoption this year are from the Children’s Medical Services and Department of Children and Families.
Donations for the families will be taken until Dec. 14 and will be distributed at a Christmas party, where all of the families will receive a dinner basket and gifts.
Susanne Olivas, Gainesville’s Little Ones program coordinator, said it has adopted about 30 families every year in the past.
“It is financially difficult for many families to provide for each other, especially this time of the year,” Olivas said. “So it would be great to see the program exceed the number of families and children overall.”
Trung Phan, a 20-year-old UF advertising junior, said he hopes the community takes the time to give.
“I’m really glad there’s a program in the community that gives back to those who are in need,” Phan said. “I hope I can do the same in the future.”
A version of this story ran on page 5 on 11/19/2013 under the headline "City helps ‘adopt’ local kids"
