Babies of Homelessness (BOH), a Bothell-based nonprofit that works to deliver basic necessities to homeless families, is again looking for sponsors for its holiday Adopt a Family program.
BOH was founded in 2016 and for the past three years, wrapped presents donated by sponsors have been delivered to families living in tiny homes, encampments, car parks and emergency shelters.
“For many families we serve, the greatest gift the parents can receive is having basic needs met (diapers, wipes, formula or warm winter coats),” said Brittan Stockert, executive director. “Similarly, for children, it’s something as simple as opening a wrapped present containing that special toy.”
Stockert said the holiday program provides an opportunity to ease the burden shopping can create for homeless families. And it helps to alleviate the fear, stress and struggle of living in a traumatic and changing environment.
Last year, 40 sponsors supported 100 families during the holidays. This year, BOH hopes to help more than 300 families in King and Snohomish counties. On Dec. 15, volunteers and Santa will deliver the gifts.
Many of these families the program serves are referrals from Crisis Connection 211, DSHS Kids Start, Mary’s Place, Lake Washington United Methodist – Safe Park, Northshore Fire Department, Eastside Baby Corner, New Bethlehem Day Center, Everett Women’s Gospel Mission, Sacred Heart and True Hope Tiny Village.
Since the Adopt a Family program’s inception, it has relied on community members from Bothell and Kirkland. But as word has spread and the program has grown, more sponsors are needed to make this year’s program a success.
Sponsors can enroll until Nov. 15 to purchase items for a child or multiple children in a family. Sponsors can browse family profiles and choose families with newborns or school-aged children. Each child will create their own wish list. After the presents are purchased, wrapped and tagged. They can be delivered from 6-9 p.m. on Dec 13. or from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 14 at HollyHills Clubhouse (19200 Hollyhills Dr. NE, in Bothell).
To become a sponsor visit bit.ly/2pErwJU. And to make a financial contribution visit bit.ly/2W2Didq.
