UB departments interested in helping families in need this upcoming holiday season can take part in the Adopt a Family program sponsored by the Office of Community Relations.

Community Relations is partnering with several local community centers to identify local families in need or experiencing financial challenges.

Participating departments will receive information on their adopted family — ages, genders, sizes, etc. —  and employees can shop for needed items ranging from children’s toys to grocery store gift cards for the parents.

This year marks the seventh year of the program, says Matt Kopalek, community relations associate. Last year, 36 departments participated in the program.

Departments interested in adopting a family can contact the Office of Community Relations at 829-3099 or Kopalek at kopalek@buffalo.edu no later than Nov. 13. Departments should provide the number of participating individuals within the department — to ensure a match with an appropriately sized family — and the name of a department contact person.