(Wed., Nov. 2, 2011)  Thousands of good girls and boys of all ages are hoping they make Santa’s 2011 Christmas Bureau list.

The Christmas Bureau has been connecting generous adopters with people in need for 70 years.  In its inception in 1941, 445 families were adopted.  In 2010, the number of families assisted was 2,800.  More than 8,000 men, women and children were adopted through a combination of private adoptions through individuals, church groups, companies; and through collaboration with a myriad of community partners: including Salvation Army, Let’s Help, North Topeka Outreach, Topeka Rescue Mission, Let’s Help and others.

“The impact of Christmas Bureau in our community is amazing,” said Miriam Krehbiel, United Way of Greater Topeka president and chief executive officer.  “Everyone wins, from the family in need who is hoping for a Christmas miracle to the adopters who gain the joy of giving back.”

In 2010, the Intake Process for families applying for assistance changed.  In 2011, the program continues to streamline and simplify the process.  At its core are hundreds of volunteers who work together to make little miracles happen all throughout our community.

“Some of our volunteers are with us months in advance working to improve the Christmas Bureau experience for everyone,” said Tom Baumgartner, United Way of Greater Topeka volunteer engagement director.  “Our volunteers put in countless hours planning, helping families register, matching adopters to adoptees and wrapping presents.  Our volunteers even help train other volunteers.  It truly brings out the best in people.”

Volunteers rank high on the wish list for Baumgartner.   Dozens of volunteers are still needed to assist with the intake process, which begins Friday, November 4 at the Antioch Family Life Center (9 a.m. 1 p.m.) and Let’s Help (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.).  Intake ends on Saturday, November 12. To qualify for Christmas Bureau assistance, households must fall within 150 percent of the 2011 poverty guidelines; have a picture i.d. for the head of household and income information.  (Click here to view Intake and qualification details.)

Second on the wish list is having adopters signed up even before intake begins.  By signing up to adopt early, many adopters will receive information on their adoptive family before the Thanksgiving holiday.

Adopters can sign up to adopt using a convenient online form.  Requests can also be made to United Way using a traditional adoption form which is available for download on its web site or in person.  Donations to Christmas Bureau as also welcome and can be made to United Way by mail 1315 SW Arrowhead Road, in person at United Way’s office, by phone at (785) 228.5116 or online at www.unitedwaytopeka.org.

ABOUT UNITED WAY

United Way of Greater Topeka  has a refined focus on goals which start with root causes and outcomes to ultimately create a more vital, stable and livable community.  We are changing the picture of how Topeka, Shawnee County and Jefferson County will look in five years, in 10 years and beyond.

 To create long-term sustainable change, we are focusing our efforts to make a big impact with measurable results.  Success will be determined by progress made with community goals in the areas of Education, Income and Health.  In addition to work in the goal areas, United Way remains committed to Basic Needs.  United Way is leveraging its resources: Giving, Advocating, and Volunteering to improve everyone’s quality of life.

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