Donations More Than Double Goal, Providing Holiday Cheer for 43 Local Families
Los Angeles, CA – December 29, 2014: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (Habitat LA) brought holiday cheer to more than 40 families through its Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program. The program, now in its 6th year, helps provide support to families who recently moved into their new Habitat home or have received home repair services due to a financial need. Despite the fact that they now have a home that is safe, sustainable, and affordable, they may still lack the resources for the “extras” and face challenges on a daily basis. More than 50% of the families Habitat LA serves earn less than 50% of the County’s area median income. For a family of four, that equates to $41,000 annually.
The Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program matches Habitat LA Partner Families with an individual or group donor who sponsors a holiday basket filled with treats, gift cards, and toys for their children. Donors were invited to attend a special holiday party with the families where they could present the gifts personally and meet each family member. A total of 43 Partner Families received assistance this holiday season.
“I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. My children and I are very grateful for everything that you have done for us this holiday season. I hope one day I, too, can bring joy to a family as you have done,” An Adopt-A-Family partner family and single mother of four children.
“This is such a special time of year for our partner families, many of whom will be celebrating the holidays in their Habitat homes for the first time, and it’s a privilege to bring them holiday cheer in this way,” said Erin Rank, President and CEO, Habitat LA. “We are grateful for the wonderful blessings of donors who give this time of year and we cherish the joy on the faces of these families during our Adopt-A-Family event. I’d like to give thanks to all who participated this season and to those who help us build hope, lives and communities all year long.”
More than $15,000 was raised, exceeding this year’s goal by more than double, allowing the organization to support more families. Donations were received in varying amounts, including 21 Angel sponsors (full-family sponsorships of $250). Larger sponsorships included U.S. Bank, MOSAIC Church, Reliable Energy and FedEx So Cal/LA Empire.
Carl Jordan, Senior Vice President, U.S. Bank and Habitat LA Board Member, was one of the Adopt-A-Family sponsors who attended the reception. “I would like to thank Habitat for Humanity for hosting such a memorable and inspiring event. U.S. Bank would also like to thank Habitat LA for allowing us to be a sponsor of this special day. Personally, the Adopt-A-Family event is what the holidays are all about. Giving, sharing, and enjoying the company of others, especially those who can use a little additional help and inspiration is the true meaning of the holidays. Thank you to everyone who generously donated your resources and time to this very special event. From the U.S. Bank family to yours, Happy Holidays!”
View photos from the Adopt-A-Family event
About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (Habitat LA) strives to eliminate substandard housing through advocacy, education and partnership with families and individuals in need to build decent, sustainable and affordable housing. Since 1990, Habitat LA has built and repaired more than 1,000 homes locally and worldwide, transforming the lives of hundreds of individuals. Habitat LA is a GuideStar® Valued Partner and has achieved the coveted Charity Navigator 4-Star rating awarded to non-profits for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. For more information, please visit http://habitatla.org or call 310-323-4663.
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Media Contacts:
Jo-An Turman
HFH GLA
424-246-3175
jturman@habitatla.org
Angela Moore
Starfish PR
310-429-8868
angela@starfish-pr.com
