Our suggestion when adopting a family is to provide a meal, a gift and outfit for each child, a gift for the family or parents, a blessing bag. The Only MUST do's are the meal and gifts for children of the family. I do ask if you adopt a single parent family, that you place something in the bag for the parent. They are often forgotten on Holidays. Extras you can do is stocking stuffers, or stocking stuffed with items. ( I always stuff personal hygiene in stockings for parents),coats,shoes,socks, underwear. I tell people when choosing items for the meal, think about what you like to eat on Christmas Day. We try to divide donations up to make sure each family gets a Blessing bag.
Here are ideas for the Meal:
Ham or Turkeys, or gift cards for such
Canned Veggies ( green beans, corn, carrots,yams,potatoes)
Canned Fruit ( pineapple,peaches, oranges,pumpkin)
Mayo, Peanut butter, jelly, spicy mustard
Flour, sugar, brown sugar,carnation milk, pie fillings, cake mixes, icings,etc.
small bags of walnuts or pecans
Bisquick or other instant bread mixes,jiffy pie crust mix or biscuit mix
Instant Mac N Cheese, potatoes, stove top,rice
boxes of Hot chocolate or apple cidar mix
Large Family Tea bags
Sugar Cookie Mix with holiday cookie cutters
Gingerbread house kit
Christmas Candy ( candy canes, chocolate santas)
Here are ideas for Blessing Bags:
Soap,body wash,lotion
Deodorant,razors,shaving cream,
feminine Hygiene items
toothpaste,toothbrush,mouthwash,floss ( adult and kid)
shampoo, conditioner, hair products
laundry detergent, dish detergent, toilet paper, paper towels
cleaning supplies, bleach
new hair brushes, combs
adult socks
candy canes
