The Adopt-A-Family Christmas program application period is underway.

The program in St. Joseph which works to help families who need assistance during the holidays is in its 36th year.

AFL-CIO Community Services Executive Director Penny Adams said she was not there for the start of the program, but the story is that it started the year the Cabbage Patch doll craze was in full force.

“I remember that because my kids were little at the time and I did exactly what everybody was doing – you go to a store, you drew numbers and if you were lucky enough to get a good number, you could run in and purchase a Cabbage Patch doll for $100,” Adams said.

When the DJs on KKJO 105.5 heard about that, Adams said they put an idea out to listeners.

“The disc jockey on the radio said it was a shame that people were spending a hundred dollars to adopt a doll when we had people right here in St. Joseph that needed adopted for real for the holidays,” Adams said. “They said, why don’t you call United Way and see if you can help adopt a real family. That year, our office used to be part of United Way, the phone started ringing… And because we work with people throughout the year, at that time, we had about 25 families they were working with for a variety of needs that they knew were low income and could use the help.”

That first year 25 families were adopted and Adams said the program has continued to grow.

AFL-CIO staff will be accepting applications from families and individuals through Saturday, Dec. 8th. Available times are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 17th and Dec. 8th by appointment only.

For more information about the program and what applicants need to bring to apply, call (816) 364-1131 or click here.

Anyone wanting to adopt a family for Christmas can begin viewing profiles on Wednesday, Nov. 14th.