Media Advisory: UB Adopt a Family program brightening the holidays for 14 local families

The holidays will be a little warmer and brighter for a number of local families in need thanks to the University at Buffalo's Adopt a Family program.

Fourteen offices from throughout the university have "adopted" a family for the holidays, purchasing toys, clothing and household items from families' wish lists. The gifts will be given to the families Wednesday, Dec. 22, from 1-5 p.m. in the Office of Community Relations, 100 Allen Hall on the UB South Campus, and members of the media are invited to attend. Members of the UB community who participated in the program also have been invited to come and meet the families they have helped.

Families will receive items including toys, electronics, bicycles, food, diapers, clothing and bedding. All gifts have been beautifully wrapped and are ready to make the families' holidays a little happier.

It is the second year the UB Office of Community Relations has coordinated the drive; last year, eight UB offices participated. In addition to Community Relations, offices taking part in the program include Student Affairs, Career Services, School of Dental Medicine (Business Operations), Wellness Education Services, Office of Faculty Affairs, University Communications, School of Dental Medicine, Office of the Provost, School of Nursing, New York State University Police, Graduate School of Education, Orthopedic Sports Medicine (ECMC location), and Operational Support Services/Computing and Informational Technology.

Community Relations collaborated with local churches and community centers to identify the families.

Press arrangements: Linwood Roberts, neighborhood outreach coordinator in the UB Office of Community Relations at 829-3524, and onsite.