CINCINNATI, Ohio — An annual holiday program that pairs local families and seniors with community sponsors is once again helping hundreds across Greater Cincinnati as the Salvation Army’s Adopt-A-Family initiative ramps up for the season.
De-Bra Kuempel, the region’s largest technical, electrical and plumbing contractor, is sponsoring 30 seniors this year. The Cincinnati-based company, which employs between 1,200 and 1,300 workers and operates roughly 800 service trucks daily, is expanding its involvement after first participating in 2024.
“When the ten people who originally started this last year came back and told everybody how the program worked and the smiles they saw on people’s faces, that is what became contagious,” said Kris Thorne, president and CEO of De-Bra Kuempel.
The Adopt-A-Family Program matches families and seniors referred for assistance with corporate or individual sponsors. Last year, the Salvation Army distributed more than 18,000 toys and gifts. Thorne said many recipients request basic household needs, such as paper products and essential supplies.
Major Martha Bone of the Salvation Army of Greater Cincinnati said the organization has secured sponsors for 315 of the 400 families seeking help this year, leaving the remainder on a waiting list.
“We’ve lost some grants this year for some specific programs that we have concerns about,” Bone said. “But I’m believing, just like at Christmas, people will be flooding our doors to give back. I believe that the need will be taken care of.”
Thorne said the Adopt-A-Family tradition is becoming a staple for the company. He encourages others to take part.
“When you see the faces of the people you’re making an impact on, I can almost guarantee you’ll double the participation afterward,” he said.
Applications for this year’s program have closed, but the Salvation Army is still accepting donations and volunteers.
More information is available on its website.
Javari Burnett
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