The gift of magic: Two families share how Adopt A Family program made this holiday season brighter

Taylor with his 2-year-old son, Carson.

To say the past year has been rough for Danielle would be an understatement. The mother of three has been in and out of the hospital for 12 surgeries. Unable to work, her husband has been trying to support the family of five with a $12-an-hour job.

For Taylor, his financial problems began two years ago. His mom was watching his son while he worked evenings at a family-run business. When the business ran into financial trouble, his mom left to manage another business out of state. With no childcare, the single dad wasn’t able to keep his job.

Both Danielle and Taylor say they wouldn’t have been able to provide gifts for their children this holiday season if it weren’t for Oakland Family Services’ Adopt A Family Program. This year the program created holiday magic for nearly 300 families and more than 700 children in need.

“It means everything to us,” Danielle said. “It makes me tear up thinking about it. We’ve never had a problem paying our rent and haven’t been able to pay this month.”

Taylor said he is touched by the generosity of the donors, who purchased gift cards this year in lieu of presents to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Taylor received a $150 Amazon gift card to buy presents and a $90 Kroger gift card.

“I really appreciate it and how much my son will benefit,” he said. “I am forever grateful. They could have been just thinking of themselves, and they are thinking of others. We can be a normal family and have a happy Christmas.”

This is the second year both Taylor and Danielle are receiving gifts through the agency’s Adopt A Family program. Taylor was so thankful for the snowsuit his 2-year-old son Carson received last year that he took a photo of him wearing it and included the photo inside a thank you card to the donors. He also received toys and household items.

“I do laundry daily, dishes daily, and they gave us a huge amount of laundry detergent that I just ran out of,” said Taylor, who has participated in several of the agency’s Early Learning Communities programs.

The 30-year-old Southfield man has spent the past year getting his Realtor’s license. He said he finally has a listing but doesn’t have anyone to watch his son so he can show homes to clients.

“My work world has not been the best the last two years,” he explained. “I graduated at 18 and within two months I had a full-time job and have always worked. Now I have had to adapt to a new career, alone, with no childcare, and that’s been difficult.”

Danielle and her husband have been struggling since she began having health problems. Over the past year, the 41-year-old woman has had several serious, invasive surgeries, resulting in much recuperation time. Prior to her health issues, she worked as a home healthcare provider.

Danielle is thankful the Adopt A Family program is able to help her and her husband provide gifts this holiday season for their 11-year-old son, 4-year-old daughter, and 2-year-old daughter. Last year through Adopt A Family, they received toys for all of their children and even a bike for their son!

“I broke down and cried,” said Danielle, whose youngest daughter receives services through the agency’s Early On program. “Whoever adopted my family last year went above and beyond and gave more than we could have done, and we are very grateful. We were able to get little things from us, but everything from them came from Santa.”

This year the Pontiac family received a gift certificate for a turkey or ham along with these gift cards: $200 Visa, $50 Visa, $25 Game Stop, $50 Meijer and $10 Walmart.

“What they are doing is truly remarkable,” she said. “It takes a wonderful person with a big heart to help another family, especially this year with COVID. Last year was probably one of best Christmases we’ve had because people donated to my family. When we get back on our feet we can’t wait to help a family to show our appreciation for what they have done for us.”