​The holidays can be a challenging time for families struggling to make ends meet, but thanks to the generosity and compassion of our community, Adopt-a-Family (AAF) brought joy and relief to families in need. This year, the program was more impactful than ever, serving 119 families—a 27% increase from last year—and raising over $29,000 to make the holidays brighter for grandparents, other relative caregivers, and the children in their care.

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The heart of the AAF program is connection—between families, donors, businesses, and volunteers who come together for this annual tradition to spread holiday magic. This year, donors "adopted" families, personally shopping for gifts and essentials to help create special moments. Northminster Presbyterian Church of Roswell went above and beyond, creating an angel tree for every family participating in AAF and donating food items to ensure festive holiday meals. Their community filled countless red reusable grocery bags, which lined ISDD’s lobby on delivery day and became a symbol of compassion and a reminder of what the holiday season is all about.

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Local businesses also stepped up. Alfa Insurance and Elixir Brew Co. hosted a toy drive complete with cookies, hot cocoa, and complimentary photos with Santa. Meanwhile, Atlanta Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance and other community partners adopted multiple families, engaging their employees in the spirit of giving, making a significant impact on several households.

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The magic didn’t stop with donations. Once all the gifts and food items were collected, a team of dedicated volunteer “elves” worked tirelessly over several days to wrap gifts with care, getting them ready for their final destination under the tree. The real joy began when families arrived at the ISDD office to pick up their bags filled with goodies and holiday essentials. The air was filled with excitement and gratitude as caregivers expressed their thanks. One grandparent shared, “This is the first time in years I’ve seen the kids so excited for Christmas,” while another caregiver said, “You’ve given us so much more than presents—you’ve given us a holiday filled with love.”

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From hugs and smiles to tears of relief, the families served through AAF reminded us all of the power of community. This program is about so much more than gifts; it’s about hope, kindness, and lifting the burden for those who need it most.