Adopt a Family

Overview

The holidays are almost here — and if you’re looking to make a difference AND bring families joy...
Join us in our Adopt a Family effort this year!

Starting in 2001, Adopt a Family was created to bring extra holiday cheer to families served by ICAN. Every year since then we have expanded the program to include gifts for more children, individuals and families. We run a very different kind of holiday program... where ICAN staff work directly with families to fill out Wish Lists with things they want and need. It's very personal and impactful!

 - In 2023, we provided gifts to 340 families (over 808 individuals)

 - In 2024, we provided gifts to 400 families (over 980 individuals)

and the need is growing!

Your support means a child wakes up with a smile.
Parents feel seen and supported.
A family knows they're not alone.

You can support our program in TWO ways:

1) Become a Shopper

Receive a Wish List and do the shopping when it works for you! Shop solo, or gather up family, friends or coworkers to shop together!

Each individual receives 4 meaningful gifts:

All shoppers will receive their lists by Thanksgiving so you can take advantage of Black Friday and holiday sales. No wrapping needed – drop off unwrapped gifts at our Main Street offices in Utica and ICAN staff will get them directly to the family you shopped for!

* Each individual shopped for is estimated to cost $75 - $100 per person

With even more families to serve this year,
we need more shoppers than ever before! 
Our goal is to recruit TWICE the number as last year.

Sign up to shop!

2) Donate Online

If you aren't able to shop, you can still support this effort with a monetary donation or you can donate gift wrapping “kits” and supplies for families to use once they receive their gifts.

Donate now!

We are thankful every year that so many people help make this program possible:

• Our community members, businesses and organizations who shop and donate
• Our Adopt a Family Committee coordinates a huge undertaking, accepting and sorting the thousands of gifts
• Additional ICAN staff volunteer extra time to make drop-offs and pick-ups go smoothly
• Dozens of frontline staff deliver them right to our families!

For any questions, please call Jody Singleton, Adopt a Family Chair, at 315-534-2144 or email jsingleton@ican.family