WATERBURY (December 21, 2023) –Twelve families adopted by Post University faculty and staff are being showered with Christmas gifts as part of the United Way of Greater Waterbury and the Salvation Army’s Adopt-A-Family program.
This is the first year Post University has signed up to “adopt” families. Many different departments across the University came to support local families needing extra help during this holiday season. Armed with ‘wish lists’ from their adopted families, associates shopped in stores and online.
“You don’t realize how little a family can get by on until you see their holiday wish list,” said Jewel Williams, Vice President of Regulatory Compliance and Financial Aid, who coordinated the Adopt-A-Family program on behalf of the University. “Adopt-A-Family provides for basic needs but also goes a little farther to provide holiday cheer by filling some of the “wants” as well.”
“Sometimes holidays can be a stressful time for families, and so for families that might be struggling a little bit to get by or who have had temporary setbacks, this is an amazing opportunity to see firsthand the joy of giving and what it looks like to be involved in our community,” said Mary Yatcko, who went shopping with her co-worker Cheryl Wilde.
The Registrar’s Office and Associate Experience teamed up to adopt three families with young children through the program this year. Melissa Kendall said their family’s wish list consisted of everyday necessities like winter jackets, shoes, school clothes, stuffed animals, superheroes, and a basketball.
“It’s just such a great feeling when you gather all of the presents and drop them off to know you’re helping spread the magic of Christmas to local families,” said Kendall.
All gifts were delivered to the United Way Greater Waterbury for distribution to the families.