The new co-ordinator of the UWindsor Adopt-a-Family campaign is hoping to pick up where her predecessor left off.

Sabina Howell, administrative assistant in the Office of Public Affairs and Communications, has issued a call for sponsors across the university community for the program of the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Foundation, which works to ensure a happy holiday for those in need.

“Families are experiencing a variety of difficulties and our assistance will lessen their worries in providing for their children during the holiday season,” she says. “The campus has been so generous, recognizing how lucky we are. We are gearing up now to share our good fortune.”

Howell succeeds Mary Anne Beaudoin, who had decades of Adopt-a-Family experience recruiting departments and individuals to gather holiday gifts for local families in need. Organizers suggest donations of food and clothing in addition to toys for children, as these items are often difficult for families to afford.

Sponsors may choose a small-, medium-, or large-sized family or a youth on extended care. Small families consist of a single parent and child; a large family may have two parents and four children. A youth on extended care is an individual over the age of 16 years old, living independently, attending school and trying to manage on a limited budget.

“At this stage, all we are looking for is for interested parties to e-mail a request,” says Howell. “A truck will pick up donations here on December 5. That leaves lots of time to shop!”

Potential sponsors will receive profiles of family members and a list of their wishes. Send expressions of interest to Howell at Sabina.Howell@uwindsor.ca.