The 2016 Adopt-a-Family for Christmas program provided $168,316.06 in monetary assistance to 249 families in southeast Michigan during the Christmas season. The 2016 program was funded by 245 generous donors. The program, in operation since 1990, helps families enduring significant financial hardship and other challenges. Previously managed by the Archdiocese of Detroit, the program is now operated by Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan. “It was our privilege to oversee the 2016 program,” said Jason Shanks, CCSEM chief executive officer. “With the cooperation of Catholic parishes and St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) conferences from throughout metro Detroit, Archdiocesan staff and many generous donors, CCSEM was able to provide monetary assistance to families in 75 communities in the six counties that make up the Archdiocese.” Shanks said CCSEM also was able to facilitate donations of in-kind items for selected families from donors who made special requests. “We put donors in contact with the parishes, SVDP or others to augment cash gifts with additional assistance like clothing, toys for Christmas and such,” he said. Information on how to participate in the 2017 Adopt a Family for Christmas program will be available this fall.