KANE — For the last several years, Kane Area Community Center has asked members of the community to “adopt” a teenager for Christmas.
Each donor/adopter will be given the teen’s wish list with clothing sizes and basic likes/dislikes. Donors are asked to make their recipients’ holiday a little happier by purchasing new clothes and maybe a special item or two from their wish lists. In consideration of everyone’s budget, the center is asking that the total purchase price should not exceed $100. All items must be new and unwrapped. Christmas may be the only time during the year they may receive clothing, shoes and coats that are brand-new.
When adopting a teen, donors can either do the shopping or make a donation and one of the KACC board or staff will be glad to play Santa’s elf. The Kane Area Community Center is a 501C3 non-profit organization, so participation is tax deductible. The center asks that gifts be dropped off at The Kane Area Community Center at 46 Fraley St. in Kane before Dec. 15.
Residents may sign up to be an “adoptive parent” by calling the center at 837-9472, through Facebook, emailing kaccdirector@comcast.net or stopping in from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Shoppers can request the gender/age they prefer, and center staff will do their best to match to match the request. The earlier people sign up, the earlier they will receive information and can begin shopping. Donors will be contacted as soon as their teen has been assigned, and they will be given only the first name and age of the teen along with a wish list. The gifts will be distributed by KACC board and staff.
Any parent who would like to sign their teenager up for Adopt-A-Teen must come to the Kane Area Community Center in person — not by email or messages — between now and 5 p.m. on Nov. 18. Parents must come to the center and fill out a registration form. Parents are asked to bring with them when they register a wish list with likes, dislikes, sizes, etc.
This program is only open to students in grades six-12 from the Kane Area School District who are not already registered with another Christmas Giving Program. KACC will be in contact with the KASD, Kane Eagles Club and local churches to assure that “double dipping” isn’t happening.
Children below sixth grade may be registered through the Toys for Kids Program at the Kane Eagles Club. The forms for Toys for Kids are also available at the KACC and vice versa. Parents will be contacted when their teen’s gifts are ready to be picked up.
