Every year we look forward to kicking into gear with the Aptos Adopt-A-Family program, it’s a rewarding 
time at TPG and for our participating community members. TPG and its volunteers adopt local families in circumstances that prevent them from providing Christmas for their families. 100% of the donations go directly to the families. Many of our families that were adopted in the past have been able to get back on their feet and also adopt a family, grateful for their experience so they have decided to give back.
Sharing the holidays is amazing in Santa Cruz County. Now in our 22nd year, Aptos Adopt-A-Family has been given a special opportunity to partner with Jacob’s Heart to adopt 10 local families with children that are currently living with cancer or other life-threatening conditions. Times Publishing Group has also committed to providing dinner, gift certificates and gift baskets to families bereaved by the recent loss of a child.
Please help us fill these gift baskets with special items for these families so they know they’re not forgotten this holiday season. As in the past we are also adopting other families requiring assistance. Last year we adopted over 20 families to make their holiday season a happy one.
Meet these local families and their needs as of 11/10/15:
FAMILY A: A low-income family of seven with a 5-year-old child that has cancer really needs our support this holiday season. Mom and Dad have requested gas cards for transportation to and from treatments and 
Target cards. Mom had to quit her job to care for the child so finances are tight. The kids want Batman Legos, a toy guitar and race cars. There’s a baby and a toddler, so diapers and pull-ups are a huge need, especially during long hospital stays when the sibling is getting treatment.
FAMILY B: A little 3-year-old girl with a life-threatening disease has two older brothers, mom and dad. She LOVES the movie Frozen and wants (dreams of) a Frozen bike. Her brothers would love Target gift cards so they can buy school clothes. Mom and Dad have requested a gas card to help with transportation to and from treatment and a Safeway gift card so they can buy a holiday meal.
FAMILY C: A 12-year-old boy, whose cancer is rapidly spreading, wants some Van’s shoes (size 2 1/2) and an iPod with Gold Beats earphones. His three teenaged siblings would like Target gifts. Mom and dad need help with gas and groceries.
FAMILY D: A family of seven – mom, dad and five children are struggling since their 10- year-old daughter’s cancer recently returned. The 7-year-old brother loves Legos and wants a remote control car and school clothes. Other siblings would love Target gift cards. The girl with cancer would love Jordan Black shoes (size 7), and some new clothes – jeans, size 1 and shirts and sweaters – children’s large. Mom and dad struggle financially and need gas cards, Safeway gift cards, and Target gift cards.
Father and daughter against sky
FAMILY E: A family of four – mom, dad and two sons ages 10 and 17 – the older one has cancer. The boys want clothes – jeans size 8, shoe sizes 13 (child) and 7 (adult). All of the family members need jackets – medium for mom, large for dad, small adult for the 17 year old, and large child for his brother. The family could really use a gift card to Target or Safeway. They have high financial needs and live with a deep concern about the son’s prognosis.
FAMILY F: A 7-year-old boy with cancer wants a Jurassic World Lego set, Mind Craft Legos and a scooter. He has a little brother and sister. The brother loves Ninja Turtles and Transformers; sister loves Elsa from Frozen and loves baby dolls. The family would appreciate gas cards for long trips to the hospital.
FAMILY G: A 6-year-old boy with a life-threatening condition and his 2 year old sister have a mom and dad who are struggling financially because of the long and extended treatment for a disease without a cure. He loves Transformers and soccer. She loves Dora the Explorer. Mom and dad are in great need of gas and Target gift cards.
FAMILY H: Mom, dad and 12-year-old boy with cancer are extremely low-income. The cancer diagnosis and treatment are making things very difficult for this family. They are in need of clothing. Boy, size 7 shoes and clothing size adult small. Mom and dad, both size medium. They need gas cards and Target gift cards.
FAMILY I: A local family of a teen with cancer does not have a computer in their home. The teen with cancer needs a computer to do homework and the family is also asking for a computer so that they can access the Internet to learn about cancer options, find treatments etc.
FAMILY J: A family of four with two little girls, ages 2 and 4. One of the girls that has a complex medical condition, would love Dora the Explorer books and anything “princess.” Both girls would love backpacks with learning activities. Mom and dad would very much appreciate a dinner out, so a gift card to a Santa Cruz area restaurant would be cherished.
We as a community have the ability to not only grant their wishes but improve their time on earth, we can also leave them with memories that will help carry the families through these very difficult times. The holidays can be a true expression of love. Embrace this opportunity to come together to create a special, loving year for these families.
If you, your family, neighborhood or organization are interested in helping one of these ten families or want to review our list of other possible adoptions please call Aptos Adopt-A-Family (831) 688-7549(offices of Times Publishing Group), email [email protected] or stop by our offices 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA. No gift is too small and anything will help us to achieve or exceed this goal. Gas cards, grocery gift cards and Target gift cards are always helpful.