(UPDATE) – All 707 families who applied for the Adopt-A-Family program were adopted by 11 a.m. Saturday.

“We were really worried this year with the loss of our Secret Santa, but the community really stepped up to help fill the gap for us,” said Penny Adams, AFL-CIO Executive Director.

Adams said there are a few adopters delivering on Christmas Eve to the agency and families and there are families coming in to pick up gifts. The office will be open that day from 9 a.m. until at least 1 p.m. or until every gift is delivered.

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 The Adopt-A-Family Christmas program has twelve families or 47 individuals not adopted as of Friday night.

According to AFL-CIO Community Services Executive Director Penny Adams, of the twelve, a few of them are families with young children that are hoping to receive a visit from Santa.

If anyone would like to adopt or make a donation, the AFL-CIO offices will be open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Monday 9 a.m. to noon. They are located at 1203 N 6th St. or their phone number is (816) 364-1131. You can also go to helpmenow.org for more information.

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