CARLSBAD – Hundreds of needy families are counting on the Carlsbad Christmas Bureau this holiday season, but the nonprofit needs the community's help to make all of their spirits bright.
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To adopt a needy Carlsbad family through the Carlsbad Christmas Bureau, go to www.christmasbureau.org and click on "Adopt a Family," or call (760) 599-7567.
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“We have 420 (Carlsbad) families signed up to be adopted,” said Phil Urbina, president of the bureau. “We have about 80 families we're still looking to get adopted.”
Urbina said a family can be “adopted” for about $25 a person, but donors can spend as much as they want. He said any person, business or organization can take part in the Adopt-a-Family project.
People who adopt a family will be provided with instructions, the names and ages of each family member and a list of recommended items such as nonperishable food, toiletries and school supplies.
Urbina said food and at least one gift for each adult and two for each child should be provided. The items must be purchased and delivered to the bureau's warehouse by Dec. 13. Urbina will provide the warehouse location to those who contact him, he said.
People who want to help but can't adopt a family can send monetary donations to the Carlsbad Christmas Bureau Adopt-a-Family project, P.O. Box 1669, Carlsbad, 92018.
Urbina said the money will be used to cover the bureau's costs, buy grocery store gift cards for the families and purchase items for families that aren't adopted.
The bureau also has collection bins throughout Carlsbad where people can drop off new clothes, toys and nonperishable food items by Dec. 12. The locations are listed at www.christmasbureau.org.Urbina said donations also are being accepted at Starbucks stores in Carlsbad and Oceanside. The bureau will begin distributing everything Dec. 14.
Last year, the bureau helped about 425 families, Urbina said, adding that the all-volunteer organization finds a way to provide for everyone who signs up.
The bureau has provided food and gifts for Carlsbad families since 1970, according to the organization's Web site. Urbina said more than 14,000 families have been adopted over the years.
Angela Holman: (760) 752-6750;
angela.holman@tlnews.net
