AFL-CIO Community Services opens applications for Adopt-A-Family program

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The AFL-CIO Community Services announced it is preparing to launch its Adopt-A-Family Christmas Program, and it is accepting applications for families and individuals needing help.

For more than 40 years, the agency, through the program, has matched people, local groups, organizations and businesses with families, disabled adults and seniors in the community who would not be able to put presents under the tree or afford basic needs.

Applications may only be obtained from Nov. 2 through Dec. 4, and will be available at the agency offices and through the agency website at www.helpmenow.org/.

Applications are due to the agency no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 7. No applications will be available after Dec. 4.

Applicants must meet one of the following qualifiers to apply for the program:

• Have children under the age of 18 in the household
• Actively receive disability or Social Security benefits, or be over the age of 63

If any household has questions about their qualification status, they are encouraged to contact the agency before applying.

Any household that applies and does not meet at least one of the criteria will be notified and the household's application will not be entered into the program.

Applicants can complete the application three ways:

• Fill out the pamphlet and return it to the agency with the required $2 processing fee
• Print the application from the website and return it to the agency with the $2 processing fee
• Complete the application online and submit a $3 processing fee through the agency website

Applicants must not bring children when dropping off materials to the program.

After the application has been returned, agency staff will call applicants to complete their application.

The agency said applications are not complete until applicants have heard back from agency staff. Some applicants may be required to produce supporting documents based on necessity.

Anyone who applies needs to be prepared to answer any unknown calls, as it could be from agency staff to complete their application.

Additionally, applications will not be entered into the system until the processing fee is paid.

For Spanish-speaking individuals, phone applications will be taken by appointment only, and are encouraged to call Maria at 408-796-9512 to make an appointment.

Families, organizations and businesses who would like to adopt a family, disabled adult or senior should stop by the agency beginning Nov. 13.