It is the season of giving in the East Greenbush Central School District as faculty, staff and families have come together once again to support the annual Adopt a Family program, which provides gifts to families in need during the holidays.
The wrestling room at Columbia High School was filled with wrapped boxes and gift bags on Wednesday. There were toys, clothes, books, bicycles and much more, all donated by a generous school community.
This annual community service project provides Christmas presents to local families who are referred by social workers and school counselors.
This year, gifts are being given to 37 families, including 152 children, throughout the district.
“I just want to say thank you to all of the staff, families, community members, school clubs and sports teams who continually support our program and purchase thousands of gifts so others can enjoy a happy holiday,” said Columbia Social Worker Audra Di Bacco, who coordinates the Adopt a Family program. “The program would not be successful without all of them.”