Amanda's Story

Thanks to your kind generosity, the Catholic Charities Adopt-a-Family Program warms the hearts and homes of families facing tough times during the Christmas season.

Last Christmas, over 80 families felt the joy, all because of your support that’s turned this program into a tradition of spreading happiness. Among them is Amanda, a single mom to Abigail (14) and Charleston (6).

Facing tough times, Amanda reached out to Catholic Charities. “It would be wrong for them to not have anything on Christmas,” she shared, expressing the challenges of providing for her kids during the holiday season. Your support through Catholic Charities became a lifeline, a source of hope amid her struggles.

The Adopt-a-Family Program captured the hearts and commitment of the women of Salina’s PEO Chapter BW, who have actively sponsored families for at least five years. Member Shannon Rayl shared the group’s motivation, saying, “We were always moved by the stories we heard about the families. We loved that Catholic Charities made it possible for us to just step in and do this so easily.”

Amanda’s experience with the group’s sponsorship was nothing short of magical. Faced with unique challenges, she had requested cleaning supplies, and the group responded with creativity and generosity. Each member contributed their favorite cleaning supplies, providing enough for almost a year. The unexpected outpouring of support left Amanda emotional and overjoyed.
“I wasn’t expecting all that. I was really happy to see those cleaning supplies,” she said. “The kindness out of people’s hearts, to do this for a family…you don’t see that. It’s very rare.”

Rayl shared the joy of making a difference, especially for moms like Amanda. “You just want to help share the load, share the burden of providing for her family and maybe give her room to breathe so that she doesn’t have quite so much stress,” she said. “Just to know, people are supporting her and that people care and that she matters. She and her children matter to us.”

Amanda’s tears of gratitude spoke volumes about the big impact of the Adopt-a-Family Program, thanks to the kind support of donors like you. She highlighted the program’s reliability and reassurance that help would be there when needed. “I would thank them for providing for my family, for something I couldn’t do, giving them something I couldn’t get them,” Amanda said. “It means a lot. I’m just really, really, thankful and grateful.”

As the PEO Chapter BW reflected on their experience, member Betty Schmidt emphasized the true spirit of Christmas. “When you can give back just a little bit, that is what Christmas is all about,” Schmidt shared.

Your ongoing support ensures that families receive essential help and hope, no matter what they may be going through.