The holidays are a time for generosity, kindness, and love—a season to embrace the spirit of giving to those around us. However, for many families facing financial hardships, it can be a period of stress and uncertainty. This is where MHACG's Adopt-a-Family program comes into play, offering a beacon of hope and support.
Each year, the Adopt-a-Family program strengthens community bonds by encouraging people to look out for one another. When community members come together to support those in need, it creates a network of care and compassion that can have lasting positive effects.
"Last year, I had the privilege of helping a client who reminded me why I give back. She was a single mother of five, doing everything she could to keep her family afloat. Her days were a constant struggle to make ends meet, juggling rent, utilities, and groceries. When the holidays approached, she faced a heartbreaking choice: provide gifts for her children or put food on the table and pay the rent. She chose the latter, sacrificing what little she could to ensure her kids had a roof over their heads and meals to eat. When I learned about her situation, I knew I had to do something. I had to get this family adopted. The response was overwhelming. The community came together and donated a mountain of gifts — enough for all five of her children to have a magical Christmas morning. There were toys, clothes, books, and even a few surprises that brought tears to my eyes. When it came time for the mom to pick up the gifts, I'll never forget her reaction. She walked into the room, saw the brightly wrapped presents piled high, and immediately began to cry. She told me she never thought her family would experience a Christmas like this. Her gratitude was palpable, and in that moment, I knew the true meaning of the holidays. I also donated my time to help wrap all the gifts. It was a labor of love, thinking about how each child would feel tearing into the paper to discover what was inside. The experience filled me with a sense of purpose and joy that words can hardly describe. This is why I donate — to bring hope and happiness to families who need it most. It's about more than just giving gifts; it's about showing people that they're not alone, that there are others who care and want to lift them up. That mom's tears of gratitude and the thought of her kids' smiles on Christmas morning are memories I'll carry with me forever. Moments like these remind me of the power of kindness and the importance of paying it forward."
- Sherri D.
This story is like so many others we share here at MHACG. Every day, our teams provide care to hundreds of individuals, children, and families across Columbia and Greene Counties. While not every family we support are experiencing financial hardships, there are many who find themselves unhoused, or otherwise unable to experience the joy and magic of the holidays without this program.
The 2024 holiday season has been our greatest year yet, creating lasting memories and spreading a world of joy to over 190 children across Columbia & Greene Counties! The contributions of the community go beyond just providing the gifts — they have helped foster a sense of community and compassion, bringing tears of joy and smiles to children's faces.
"To the family or person who took the time and resources to be a blessing to my family, thank you! I pray that God would bless you. My little family will have a wonderful Christmas because of your kind heart!"
The magic of the Adopt-a-Family program would not happen without the immense support of the community. Corona (pictured above) has helped support the program for several years by collecting donations at the salon. We are incredibly thankful to have the support of so many wonderful businesses and individuals out in the community. In addition to Blue Agape Beauty, staff with the Bank of Greene County, Columbia Memorial Hospital, the Hudson Rotary Club, and the office of County Court Judge Hon. Michael Howard have all made an immense difference in spreading holiday cheer this year. Parishioners with the Holy Trinity Church have also made this program a great success.
"It's incredibly moving to see so many caring and compassionate people coming together to contribute to those in need. It really restores your faith in humanity seeing all this come together. Thank you for doing all this, it's really awesome."
For more information on MHACG's Adopt-a-Family Program, visit www.mhacg.org/holiday.
About MHA of Columbia Greene
MHA of Columbia Greene (MHACG) is one of the largest Mental Health nonprofit organizations serving the twin counties of Columbia and Greene. Founded in 1958, MHACG serves and empowers all individuals through mental health, peer support, education and advocacy, support for survivors of assault, abuse, and trafficking, family support, housing, and substance use recovery. Mental health is health, and we make it our mission to advance mental health as a critical part of the overall health and wellbeing of our communities.
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