A letter from a Deaf mother whose family was adopted by donors of the
"Share the Holidays" program at ADWAS:

Dearest People of ADWAS:

I can't find the proper words because thank you is not enough! I was so happy when ADWAS [showered my family with gifts]. I cried with so much joy when my family received their presents.

We have been having financial problems lately and the kids needed sooo much! We always had to send for more school supplies after Christmas and won't have to this year!

You hear now and then about families needing help. Although I have swallowed my pride and temporally received food stamps and medical for the kids, in no way would you "ever" catch "me" going to churches, etc., asking for handouts! The kids "would have" gotten what was needed but boy what fun to get what "THEY WANTED" instead of cheap Mom (smile) saying "sorry, we just can't afford it."

I know you can imagine the happiness you must give to families who need gifts such as these but, to feel the joy you have given to my children!!!! I'm lost for words (smile).

I am sending to you, all of you who are responsible for making my life a little easier, and my children a lot happier, the biggest bear hug your minds can imagine. Thank-you thank -you thank-you!

"A Mom" (crying againn! Gotta stop that! smile)

Our requirement for our volunteers is simple: make the decision to help make one family or more,have a brighter holiday this year! There is more than one way to participate. One way the volunteers or donors may help is to first determine what size family they want to adopt based on their own or their family/work group's ability in providing items from the wish list that each ADWAS family provides. (As a guideline, when considering adopting a family, past donors have shared that a they spent roughly $150 per family member.) Another option is to collect cash donations from family or co-workers and we will use that money to fill unfulfilled wishes. We also have a limited number of families who need holiday decorations and perhaps a tree. Thirdly, a donation of gift cards of any value to stores like Safeway, Target, and Fred Meyer are always appreciated by families. We will provide each donor who adopts a family, with a wish list given us by the ADWAS family.

This opportunity is sponsored by: Abused Deaf Womens Advocacy Services (ADWAS)

This volunteer opportunity addresses the following social interests

Children & Youth Housing Disabilities Poverty Domestic Violence Women's

Volunteers will work with the following groups

People of Color Homeless Abused / Battered Infants / Preschoolers (0-4) Adolescents (13-17) Low-income / Poverty Adults (26-54) Older Adults (55+) Children (5-12) Women Disabled / Ill Young Adults (18-25) Families / Parents

We need volunteers who are free at these times

One-Time

We are looking for volunteers with the following skills

Transportation

This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers

Adults (26-54) Large Group (11+) Adults (55+) Small Group (2-10) Families Young Adults (18-25) Individual

Contact Person:
Linda Goldman, Parent Program Coordinator, (email)

View all agency contacts

Address:

8623 Roosevelt Way NE Seattle, WA 98115-3027 This location is handicap accessible (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.adwas.org

Miscellaneous Information

Are Youth Volunteers Welcome?
	No
Are court-appointed community service volunteers okay?
	No
Can families with young children volunteer for this opportunity?
	Yes